Highlights of Xi's speech at rally marking PLA's 90th anniversary

The PLA's Rocket Force carries out live-fire exercises in Gobi Desert. [Photo/Xinhua]

9. No loss of 'any piece' of land

"The Chinese people treasure peace and we absolutely do not engage in invasion and expansion. However, we have the confidence to conquer all forms of invasion," Xi said.

"We absolutely will not permit any person, any organization, any political party — at any time, in any form — to separate any piece of Chinese territory from China," Xi said to applause.

"No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests."

"The people's army will resolutely safeguard the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and our country's socialist system, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and resolutely safeguard regional and world peace," Xi said.