Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province held a symposium and mobilization meeting on July 31 to ensure it will be recognized again as a National Double Support Model City – and to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, which falls on Aug 1.

Taizhou has won the appellation five consecutive years and this year it is trying to get it for a sixth time.

The term "Double Support" refers to various efforts and initiatives aimed at providing support and assistance to military personnel and their families, as well as promoting goodwill and harmony between the military and civilian population.

It encompasses such activities as welfare programs, educational support, healthcare services and community-building initiatives.

Proceedings get underway at the symposium in Taizhou on July 31. [Photo by Gu Xiangzhong/www.taizhou.gov.cn]

Zhu Lifan, Party secretary of Taizhou, said at the meeting that Taizhou had consolidated its relationship with the military, government and people.

Over the years, local soldiers had made important contributions to the reform, development and stability of Taizhou and had undertaken key tasks such as moves to improve emergency rescues, as well as efforts to enhance the modern civilization and rural vitalization.

He said that Taizhou was a city of heroes, with a glorious tradition of supporting the military and loving its people. What's more, it had the responsibility and ability to take the lead in doing a good job of supporting the military in the new era.

Taizhou Mayor Wan Wenhua said all localities and departments should support the development of the military, serve soldiers and their families and combine the expectations of the public with the capabilities of the military.

"We must firmly establish the idea of military and civilian people working together as one team, prioritize the welfare of soldiers and their families and demonstrate the deep bond of Taizhou's unity and its shared destiny with the military," she said.

Liao Peng, member of the Taizhou Party committee and commander of the Taizhou military division, said the military and the government must unite as one and work together to shoulder their responsibility. The troops in Taizhou should improve their overall ability and support the military to a new level.