BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, urged efforts to strengthen political guidance and deepen innovation-driven development to advance the high-quality modernization of national defense and the armed forces.

Xi made the remarks when presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Thursday.

Xi urged efforts to fulfill the goals for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 2027 and make "decisive progress" in basically realizing the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.

This, he said, will provide strong strategic support for advancing the cause of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

The study session was held ahead of the PLA's founding anniversary on Aug. 1. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, Xi extended festival greetings to all members of the PLA and the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel of the PLA, and members of the reserve forces and the militia.