The Central Military Commission held a cultural performance to comfort veteran cadres of troops stationed in Beijing and celebrate the Spring Festival.
Xi Jinping extends New Year greetings to veteran comrades throughout the armed forces.

2026-02-07 Source: “Xuexi Qiangguo” Learning Platform

On the afternoon of February 6, a New Year’s gala celebrating the Spring Festival, organized by the Central Military Commission to honor veteran cadres stationed in Beijing, was held at the China National Theatre. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the country, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the performance and extended festive greetings and New Year blessings to the veteran military comrades present as well as to all retired senior cadres across the armed forces. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Gang.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 7 — The Central Military Commission’s gala performance celebrating the Spring Festival and showing care for veteran cadres stationed in Beijing was held at the China Theatre on the afternoon of February 6. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the country, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the performance and extended festive greetings and New Year blessings to the veteran military comrades present as well as to all retired cadres across the armed forces.

As the Spring Festival approaches, the capital city of Beijing is gradually brimming with festive cheer and radiating an atmosphere of peace and harmony. The China National Theatre is alive with a joyous, celebratory ambiance. Veteran cadres from the troops stationed in Beijing—those who have made outstanding contributions to the founding, defense, and construction of New China, as well as to national defense and military development—have gathered together to warmly welcome the New Year.

Around 4 p.m., Xi Jinping joined the veteran comrades, prompting warm applause from the entire audience. Xi Jinping engaged in cordial conversations with everyone, exchanged greetings, and expressed heartfelt concern for their health and living conditions. Together, they looked back on the extraordinary journey and significant achievements made over the past year by the Party, the country, and the armed forces. The veteran comrades unanimously stated that they would rally even more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guiding principle, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, deeply grasp the decisive significance of the “Two Establishments,” resolutely uphold the “Two Safeguards,” and fully implement the system of responsibility under the Chairman of the Central Military Commission. They pledged to carry forward our glorious traditions, forever preserve our political integrity, remain firm in our convictions, and move forward courageously and steadily, contributing to the timely achievement of the centenary goal for building a strong military and to high-quality advancement of national defense and military modernization.

“Under the banner, united in struggle, we march forward! Through the crucible of trials, the more we’re tempered, the stronger we become!” The mixed-voice chorus “Eternal Glory” kicked off the performance with its vigorous and resolute melody. The entire show was threaded throughout by the vivid theme of training, forging, and renewal—charging ahead toward the centenary—and highlighted the new look of politically-driven military building, the fresh progress in modernization, and the remarkable achievements in combat readiness. It eloquently expressed the shared sentiment of all officers and soldiers: firmly safeguarding the core leadership and unswervingly obeying command. The instrumental and choral piece “The Steel Is Stronger When We Unite,” along with the staged song “War Is Just a Second Away,” focused on the fervent practice of troops training and preparing for battle, vividly portraying the officers and soldiers’ sense of responsibility—ever ready, armed and alert, determined to win every battle. The scene-based song “Seven-Character Regulated Verse: The Long March” passionately celebrated the heroic spirit of the Red Army soldiers, who overcame all hardships and defeated every formidable enemy, inspiring a grand aspiration to carry forward the great Long March spirit and confidently embark on the new Long March journey of our times. A medley of classic old songs—including “Holding Guns, Hearts Turned Toward the Party,” “The Regimental Commander Has a Green Military Quilt,” and “Song of Comrades”—paid tribute to the fine traditions of our Party and our military, showcasing how the red gene has been passed down from generation to generation. The ethnic song and dance “Harmonious Melodies of One Heart” praised border defense soldiers and people of all ethnic groups working together to fortify borders and build a happy life, expressing deep affection for the Party and profound love for the motherland. The short play “The Call of the Red Star” featured a cross-temporal dialogue between young officers and soldiers and Red Army warriors, embodying their unwavering commitment to staying true to their original aspirations and preserving the pure and glorious lineage. The staged song “Warmth” fully demonstrated the commander’s deep concern for the grassroots level and his heartfelt care for officers and soldiers, highlighting the rock-solid conviction of all military personnel to align themselves closely with the leadership and remain steadfastly committed to strengthening the military through tireless efforts. “We step into a brand-new world; we follow you toward victory,”—the mixed-voice chorus “Marching Under the Party’s Banner” clearly expressed the People’s Army’s determination and will to open up a new chapter in strengthening the military and successfully fulfill all tasks entrusted to it by the Party and the people. The entire performance exuded a fresh, uplifting spirit, vividly reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of military arts serving the cause of strengthening the military, serving the grassroots, and serving the officers and soldiers themselves.

Zhang Shengmin watched together.

Also attending the performance were leaders from various departments of the Central Military Commission’s organs, representatives from military units stationed in Beijing, and officers and soldiers from different units. (Reporter Mei Changwei)

Editor-in-charge: Li Liangyu