Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during an inspection of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily headquarters in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily, and called on the paper to play a leading role in strengthening the military and innovate in journalistic practice.

The PLA Daily must adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and serve the PLA, which is also under the CPC leadership, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

While visiting the paper's headquarters on Friday, Xi said the daily should uphold Party principles and "unswervingly" embrace the CPC leadership.

The president personally posted an update on the paper's Weibo account, wishing members of the armed forces a happy New Year and encouraging them to making new contributions to the Chinese dream and the dream of a stronger military.

Founded on Jan. 1, 1956, the paper is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Xi urged the newspaper to strictly follow the leadership of CPC Central Committee, safeguard the authority of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, and spread their voice.

The daily should "do its best" to consolidate mainstream thoughts so that the Party's proposition should be "the strongest sound" of the time, he said.

Xi asked the paper to explain the ongoing military reform to the officers and soliders, including the content and significance of the reform, the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, and reform measures that will directly affect their interests.

The paper should guide the officiers and soldiers to support and take part in the reform, he said.

Xi also stressed innovation in the Internet era and asked the paper to follow the trend of cyber development and take advantage of the Internet to promote the paper.

The president called on journalists to go to grassroot units and have first-hand observation of the troops. He emphasized the importance of fostering a team that is loyal to the party, professionally excellent and unbeatable in morale.