YINCHUAN, July 23 -- Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin urged solid efforts to enhance services and support for veterans during an investigation and research tour of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Thursday.

She visited enterprises, veterans service stations, care institutions and industrial parks, where she reviewed progress in supporting veterans' employment and entrepreneurship, as well as the service and support system for the ex-service personnel.

Noting that veterans are vital forces advancing Chinese modernization, she urged efforts to bolster their employment and entrepreneurial endeavors and guide them to engage in basic-level governance, rural revitalization and industrial development.

Shen also urged local authorities to carry forward the fine tradition to consolidate the unity between the military and the government and between the military and the people.

China has 39 million veterans, and the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army will fall on Aug. 1.

In addition, during the tour, Shen pushed for steady progress in the development of school football programs and accelerated advancement in China's football revitalization initiative.