BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has called for greater unity between the military and the government and between the military and the people, emphasizing the need to uphold the overall leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), advance reform and innovation, and improve relevant policies and mechanisms.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction, which was conveyed at a national conference on Wednesday honoring model cities and counties in promoting mutual support between the military and the government and between the military and the people.

In the instruction, Xi described the mutual support between the military and civilian sectors as a "fine tradition" and "unique political advantage" for the Party, the military and the people.

He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to care for and support military development and reform, proactively address the concerns and resolve difficulties for officers and soldiers, and further foster a positive social atmosphere that values national defense, supports the military, and honors military personnel.

Xi stressed that the military should firmly establish a strong awareness of its fundamental purpose, actively support local construction and development, and take concrete actions to bring benefits and promote prosperity for the people.

He called for enhanced collaboration between the military and civilian sectors to consolidate and develop the rock-solid unity between the military and the government, and between the military and the people.

Addressing Wednesday's event, Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, stressed the need to resolutely implement Xi's instructions and to break new ground in promoting mutual support between the military and the government and between the military and the people.

Li urged localities and government departments to firmly establish national defense awareness and a holistic perspective, emphasizing proactive measures to advance the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.