President Xi Jinping has called on the country's armed forces to strengthen training and combat readiness.

Xi, who's also general secretary of the Communist Party and head of the Central Military Commission, made the comment as he inspected the People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command navy in Guangdong province on Tuesday.

The naval inspection came a day after Beijing wrapped up three days of military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.

Xi also stressed "accelerating transformation to boost the armed forces' modernisation levels on all fronts", according to Xinhua News Agency.

Xi added that China will resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, and strive to maintain regional stability. (Agencies)