BEIJING: President Xi Jinping Wednesday stressed accelerating the development of modern military science, and building high-level military research institutions to support the building of a strong military 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 during an inspection of the People’s Liberation Army Academy of Military Science. Noting that military science was an important force in guiding military practices and spearheading transformations, Xi said relevant research should be combat-oriented, meet the needs of the armed forces and be forward-thinking. He also called for better integration of military theories and technologies, research and practices, as well as military and civilian uses. Condolences: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent condolences to Indonesian President Joko Widodo over the recent deadly terror attacks in East Java province. Xi said he was shocked to learn the terror attacks occurred in the city of Surabaya, provincial capital of East Java on Sunday and Monday, which have killed at least 12 civilians and injured dozens of others. On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and also in his own name, Xi expressed his deep condolences for those innocent victims who died in attacks. He also expressed his sincere sympathies to the injured and families of the victims. Noting that terrorism is the common enemy of mankind, Xi said that China strongly opposes all forms of terrorism. China is willing to work with the international community, including Indonesia, to jointly fight against terrorism and safeguard peace and stability in regions and the world at large. Visiting group: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, on Wednesday met with a friendship visiting group of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea led by Pak Thae Song, member of the Political Bureau and vice-chairman of the WPK Central Committee. Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Published in Daily Times, May 17th 2018.