Beijing Increases Military Spending, Requests Military to Help ‘Maintain Stability’

This photo taken on Jan. 4, 2021 shows Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers taking part in military training at Pamir Mountains in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region. STR/AFP via Getty Images

News Analysis

Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently issued a directive to China’s military and the armed police, asking the entire army to prepare for war and at the same time, assist local governments to “maintain stability” by handling emergencies in a timely manner.