China announced a new military cyber force on Friday, saying it would enhance Beijing’s ability to “win” wars.

Wu Qian, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said the information support force will serve as “key support for the coordinated development and application of network information systems.”

China has invested billions of dollars in modernizing its armed forces in recent years as tensions with the United States and other regional powers have escalated.

President Xi Jinping has also sought to bring the military under firmer control since taking power a decade ago.

Wu said the new cyber force is “a strategic step to establish a new service system and improve (China’s) modern military force structure.”

He did not elaborate on the force’s role but said it “has a major responsibility in promoting high-quality development and winning modern wars.”

Xi Jinping expressed “warm congratulations” on the formation of the force at a grand ceremony in Beijing on Friday, according to CCTV.

Video showed the Chinese leader, dressed in khaki military uniform, addressing a group of smiling military officers in full regalia at an event that was accompanied by marching music.

Xi Jinping said the formation of the force was a “major decision” made by senior officials of the ruling party to “improve the modern military force system with Chinese characteristics,” according to CCTV.

“We must resolutely obey the party’s command and fully implement the basic principles and systems of the party’s absolute leadership over the military,” he said.

China’s territorial disputes include its claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which the United States has pledged to help defend.

Beijing also has controversial claims to nearly the entire South China Sea, several islands also claimed by Japan, and areas with unclear borders with regional rival India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)