GUIYANG - President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected an aviation division of the Air Force stationed in southwestern Guizhou province ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended New Year greetings to all soldiers and officers of the People's Liberation Army, armed police force, civilian personnel in the military, militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

During the inspection, Xi visited an army hospital to learn about the troops' COVID-19 response as well as their support to local epidemic control.

Hailing the armed forces' contribution to the fight against COVID-19, Xi warned of the increased risk of virus spread during the Spring Festival holiday which is expected to see more trips and gatherings.