International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked his country's army to prepare for war. China's state-run broadcaster CCTV reported the news on Saturday night (October 19) to AFP.

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President Xi Jinping made the comments while visiting a brigade of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force last Thursday, according to China's state-run broadcaster CCTV.

President Xi Jinping said the military should "comprehensively strengthen training and combat readiness (and) ensure that troops have strong combat capabilities".

He also said troops must "enhance their strategic deterrence and combat capability."

China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory, and Beijing has greatly increased its show of force around the self-ruled island in recent years. China's Communist leaders insist they will not rule out using force to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control.