BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has encouraged the soldiers in a squad named after Wang Jie, a hero soldier that served in the 1960s, to become outstanding soldiers in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when answering a letter from the soldiers.

He urged them to study hard, strengthen their ideals and convictions, enhance combat readiness and further strive for excellent performance.

Xi also extended his Spring Festival greetings to the soldiers and their family members.

On Dec 13, 2017, Xi inspected the 71st Group Army of the People's Liberation Army and visited the company where Wang Jie served.

Soldiers from the squad of Wang Jie recently wrote a letter to Xi, telling him about their work, study and growth over the past year.