The fourth volume of a compilation of Xi Jinping's views on strengthening and revitalizing the Chinese armed forces has been published, according to an official statement.

The Central Military Commission recently issued a circular, calling on the entire armed forces to earnestly organize the study and use of the book.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are here for the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Xi said China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history.

He said over the past 50 years, China and the EU have achieved fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation, delivering mutual success and worldwide benefits, and an important understanding and insight is that the two sides should respect each other, seek commonality while reserving differences, uphold openness and cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit.

These are also important principles and the right direction for China-EU relations in the future, Xi said. Faced with accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and a changing and turbulent world, Chinese and EU leaders should once again demonstrate vision and leadership, and make the right strategic choices that will meet people's expectations and stand the scrutiny of history, he added.

Xi underscored the importance for China and the EU, both constructive forces for multilateralism and openness and cooperation, to strengthen communication, enhance trust and deepen cooperation in a more challenging and complex international situation, in order to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

Both as "big guys" in the international community, China and the EU should keep their bilateral relationship growing in the right direction, and work together to usher it into an even brighter next 50 years, he said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting, where attendees were briefed on the current progress of flood and drought prevention and control efforts, as well as the work plan for the next stage.

The executive meeting also reviewed and approved interim measures for natural disaster investigation and evaluation, while announcing steps to gradually implement free pre-school education.

As China enters a key phase of flood prevention, the meeting urged all relevant departments to strengthen coordination and collaboration to help the country safely navigate the flood season.

Ensuring people's safety should remain the top priority of all work, the meeting emphasized, calling for efforts to enhance monitoring and warning systems for emergencies and improve risk management in key areas, projects and vulnerable points.

For drought-affected areas, it is important to guarantee adequate irrigation for crops and secure drinking water supplies, the meeting emphasized.

While emphasizing the importance of investigating and evaluating natural disasters, the meeting stressed the need to enhance capabilities in disaster prevention, reduction, and relief.

The meeting underscored the gradual implementation of free pre-school education as an important initiative that would benefit the public, urging local governments to develop specific plans and prepare related subsidies.

For children whose families face economic difficulties, who are orphans, or who have physical challenges, relevant departments should ensure the alignment of supportive measures and guarantee that their bottom-line needs are met, according to the meeting.

It is also important to accelerate the construction of related infrastructure, improve wages for kindergarten teachers, and safeguard both the physical and psychological wellbeing of kindergarten children, the meeting noted.