BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has acknowledged the commitment of soldiers stationed along the northern Chinese-Mongolian border.

Xi made the remarks on Monday in a written reply to border soldiers stationed in Arxan in Inner Mongolia. He visited the troop a year ago.

The soldiers wrote to Xi to update him on their achievements in the Year of the Horse.

"I was impressed by your resolution and enterprising spirit in freezing temperatures," Xi wrote, adding that their dedication made him "very happy".

While extending Spring Festival greetings, Xi encouraged the troop to continue to advance their company, which feeds in to the military's goal of a powerful, united armed forces.