Xi Jinping urges China's army to prepare for armed combat as Hong Kong protests restart over a new bill that would strip away the city's freedoms

Reuters

• Chinese President Xi Jinping urged his army to increase its readiness for "armed combat" as officials say the country faces new security threats.
• Xi told Chinese military officers on Tuesday that it was "necessary to step up preparations for armed combat" and improve the military's ability to carry out missions. 
• Xi's comments came as China announced a 6.6% spending increase to its national defense budget. 
• China is planning to pass controversial national security laws for Hong Kong on Thursday in an apparent effort to crack down on anti-Beijing sentiment. 
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Chinese President Xi Jinping urged his army to increase its preparedness for "armed combat" as protests in Hong Kong ramp up over a proposed new law that would effectively strip away the city's autonomy.

Xi on Tuesday told Chinese military officers on the sidelines of the National People's Congress (NPC) — an annual weeklong gathering of China's top legislative bodies — that the military must "explore ways of training and preparing for war" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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See Also:

• Beijing says it will unilaterally impose national laws in Hong Kong 'without delay' as thousands take to the streets in protest
• Defiant protesters chanting 'liberate Hong Kong' flood the streets to oppose China's grab for control
• Hong Kong activists are begging German Chancellor Angela Merkel not to sacrifice the country's values ​​to please China

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