Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front), also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extends Lunar New Year greetings to veterans during a concert for retired military officials and veterans in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping on Thursday extended Lunar New Year greetings to military veterans.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the comments while attending a concert for retired military officials and veterans in Beijing. The festive event featured songs and dances lauding the military's hard work, reform and loyalty to the CPC Central Committee.

This year's Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 8.