Photo: Xining TV

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Qinghai Provincial Branch established a People's Armed Forces Department in Xining, Northwest China's Qinghai Province recently, becoming the first grassroots armed forces department in financial institutions in the country.

The establishment, which took place on Friday, also marks the first grassroots armed forces department in Xining, which plays a leading role in the city, according to media reports on Thursday.

Establishing a People's Armed Forces Department in state-owned enterprises is an objective requirement to implement the militia system in accordance with the law, and also an effort to fulfill national defense obligations, according to Liu Xiang, commander of the Xining garrison.

The Qinghai branch has customized activity venues for enterprise militias, equipped them with high-standard hardware and facilities.

According to the president of the branch, the provincial bank has actively fulfilled its social responsibilities and supported national defense construction by participating in security projects, providing employment opportunities for retired military personnel in recent years.

Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference in October 2023 that establishing a People's Armed Forces Department in state-owned enterprises is a legal implementation of the militia system, as well as to fulfill national defense obligations, and strengthen national defense construction.

Global Times