ISTANBUL

China's President Xi Jinping on Tuesday praised the "loyalty" of the armed forces, particularly those in lower ranks, amid a probe into Chinese generals.

Xi made the remarks while he was reviewing the armed forces' combat readiness and ongoing operations, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua on Wednesday.

Via a video link in Beijing, he also extended his greetings to service members of the country marking Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year.

Xi described the past year as "highly unusual and extraordinary" and emphasized the army’s advanced in-depth political rectification, saying it has been "effectively addressing various risks and challenges, and undergone 'a revolutionary tempering' in the fight against corruption."

"Officers and soldiers across the armed forces, especially those at the grassroots level, have been loyal to the Party, faithfully fulfilled their duties, and proven themselves capable and dependable," Xi said.

"Maintaining combat readiness during holidays is a fine tradition of our armed forces," he added.

Xi also urged the military to "stay vigilant and safeguard both national peace and the well-being of the people."

The Chinese president’s remarks came as a rare public reference to investigations involving top generals.

China’s Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 24 that Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli were under investigation for “suspected serious disciplinary and legal violations.”

Earlier this month, Beijing also removed three defense industry delegates, including a nuclear weapons expert, from the national legislature.

Some 30 Chinese senior military officials have been investigated or removed since 2023, when Xi began his unprecedented third term as president.