State Councilor Chang Wanquan, a member of the Central Military Commission and minister of national defense, sent Spring Festival greetings to military officials and soldiers during a visit to the honor guard and military band of the People’s Liberation Army on Feb 17.

He called on the honor guards to learn from President Xi Jinping’s statements on national defense and military construction.

Calling on them to continue the traditions of the Communist Party of China and the army he asked them to advance innovative development and demonstrate national culture.

He also told them to train to increase fighting capabilities and develop into top soldiers.

During his visit to the band, he urged them to increase their artistic level and give high-quality performances.

He also asked them to create more works with the characteristics of the troops, full of fighting passion and masculinity and urged them to give more performances for military officials and soldiers.