Youths urged to maintain firm ideals, deepen innovation

President Xi Jinping has called on young people to maintain firm ideals and convictions, foster a sense of responsibility to the country and shoulder their historic mission, in a congratulatory letter that he sent to a session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students' Federation, which opened in Beijing on Wednesday.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, pointed out that young people have a great role to play as China strives to build a strong country and realize national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

The All-China Youth Federation and the All-China Students' Federation are part of the mass organization guided by the CPC that represent people from different sectors of society.

Xi said in the letter that youth and student federations at all levels have worked diligently over the past five years.

Xi added that they have showcased the vigorous and upward spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth, under the leadership of the CPC and with the help and guidance of Communist Youth League of China organizations.

Party organizations at all levels should strengthen their leadership of youth work, support the work of youth and student federations, and create favorable conditions for the healthy growth and success of young people and students, so that they can make contributions to the country, the letter said.

It added that youth and student federations should adhere to the right political orientation and deepen reform and innovation, in order to score new achievements under the Party's leadership on the new journey.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting, which gathered about 3,000 participants.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee's Organization Department, read out Xi's letter at the meeting.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the meetings, saying that young people are expected to expand their worldview, engage actively in international communication, and contribute to the establishment of a community with a shared future for humankind.

The two-day gatherings will summarize the work of the two federation in the past five years, and analyze and decide on the work plans for the next five years.

Xinhua contributed to this story.