Xi calls for better anti-terror forces

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on the country's armed police forces to forcefully act against terrorism, to safeguard national security and social stability.

Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks when inspecting the Special Police Academy of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, where he observed training of armed police officers, including a simulated anti-hijack mission.

During the inspection, he presented a new flag to the "Falcon Commando Unit," an elite police counter-terror brigade under the academy.

This special operations brigade has made outstanding contributions to social stability over the past years. On Feb. 20, President Xi Jinping officially named the brigade "Falcon Commando Unit."

During the inspection, Xi said that the Falcons are the preeminent national anti-terror force.

He called on members of the unit to intensify their training, stay on high alert at all times, forge a world class anti-terror force and "always remain loyal to the Communist Party of China and the people."

The Special Police Academy of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force was established in 1982 as a special anti-hijack unit.