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BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has called on Chinese paratroopers to carry on their glorious tradition, sharpen their skills, and strive to forge a blade-like force that is ready to fight and able to win.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter replying to the paratroopers of a model airborne company and extended festive greetings to them, ahead of China"s Army Day, which falls on Aug. 1.