Xi urges theoretical thinking to solve problems

President Xi Jinping has encouraged officials to step up their study of theory, take the initiative in assuming responsibilities and stay loyal to the Communist Party of China and the people.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, underscored the importance of training and selecting young officials when addressing the opening ceremony of a study session at the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC attended by young and middle-aged officials on Friday.

Without theoretical thinking, it would be difficult for the CPC to overcome risks and difficulties as the ruling party for a country with almost 1.4 billion people that also is faced with a complicated domestic and international environment, he said.

Officials should be willing to spend their energy on systematic learning about the latest theories through deep thinking and close connections through practice, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of officials staying loyal to the Party, which is also a key measurement for their ideals and beliefs.

Officials should place the people in the highest position in their minds and stay in close touch with the people, he said. The Party will achieve nothing if it loses touch with the people, he said.

He called on officials to step up their investigation and research to find out problems facing the people, make their opinions known and summarize their experiences.

He also urged the officials to nurture their political orientation, enhance their political insights and obey the Party's political rules.

It is also important for them to maintain a serious lifestyle, nurture healthy interests and, especially, enhance their self-control, he said.

Xi also urged the officials to put what they have learned into practice, adding that they should rise to challenges when needed and be willing to take responsibility after making mistakes.

He noted that the courage to take responsibility is a key standard for the Party consciousness and work style of an official.

The ability to take responsibility is especially important if the country is to win the three critical battles against poverty, pollution and financial risks, and make concrete efforts in stabilizing growth, promoting reform, adjusting structures, benefiting people's livelihoods and guarding against dangers, he said.