BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from the "Falcon Commando Unit," an elite police brigade, encouraging them to forge a world-class counter-terrorism special forces unit.

In his letter, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said he still clearly remembers the details of how he granted a flag to the brigade 10 years ago, and he is delighted to learn that members of the brigade have excellently fulfilled their missions over the past decade.

Xi urged them to build on the past achievements, make further progress, persistently nurture their character of loyalty, and enhance real-combat and specialized training.

Xi also called on them to build themselves into a world-class counter-terrorism special forces brigade, which always stands ready to make new contributions to the Party and the people.

In April 2014, Xi conferred a flag on the "Falcon Commando Unit," a core counter-terrorism unit at the national level, and issued important instructions.

Over the past decade, the unit has accomplished a host of tasks, including counter-terrorism, stability maintenance, joint exercises and training, and safeguarding security during major events. They have won over 20 championships in international special forces competitions.