Chinese President Xi Jinping has often quoted Chairman Mao Zedong, using phrases such as "zi li geng sheng," or self-reliance. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)

Xi's US strategy recalls Mao's 'protracted war'

Chinese leader calls on people to unite for an extended battle

KATSUJI NAKAZAWA, Nikkei senior staff writer

January 10, 2019 16:20 JST

TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping ushered in the new year with a strikingly unfestive message at a meeting of the Central Military Commission: "Enhance combat capability."

Addressing military leaders on Jan. 4, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission, instructed all forces and all resources to "focus on military preparedness" and to ensure marked progress.