BEIJING -- Military exchanges will play a bigger role in China's diplomatic activities, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

The Communist Party of China places high value on "diplomacy through military exchanges," which has played a significant role in promoting China's overall diplomatic work and safeguarding national security, Xi said at a meeting of military officers.

He said military authorities should unswervingly following the Party's "absolute leadership" in performing military diplomacy, strengthening international military exchanges in accordance with China's overall diplomatic and security strategies.

The president also asked the military staff to be self-disciplined and resistant to corruption.