Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged unswerving efforts to promote clean governance and fight corruption, as the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March with a gathering on Friday.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC),stressed that efforts must be made to strengthen the Party's ability to purify, improve and innovate itself, when delivering a speech at the gathering.
All Party members must uphold and safeguard the leadership of the Party and consciously endorse the stand of the Party and the people. "They should be loyal to the Party, share the Party's concerns and shoulder responsibilities with the Party," Xi said.
"In carrying forward the great spirit of the Long March, we must strengthen the leadership of the Party, strictly govern the Party and work hard to promote the building of the Party," he said.
Meanwhile, efforts should be made to strengthen and regulate political life within the Party, according to Xi.
He called on Party members to do their utmost to fulfil the responsibilities and tasks arranged by the Party.
"The Party must work together to ensure it is always with the people," Xi said.
He said the Party must adhere to the principle of doing everything for, and relying on, the people to strive for a better life.
Xi said, "the victory of the Long March tells us that the masses have endless wisdom and limitless power."
"Only by believing in the people, relying firmly on the people and listening to the people's initiative and creativity can we unite the nation's will like a fortress," he said.
Xi described the history of the Long March as the history of a close relationship between the military and civilians.
Going through thick and thin with the people was the fundamental guarantee for the CPC and the Red Army to achieve victory in the Long March, Xi said, adding it is also the guarantee for the Party to overcome difficulties and risks.
As there is "a new long march" ahead, the entire Party must bear in mind who they are working for and who they should rely on, as these questions are touchstones to test the nature of a political party and administration, Xi said.
He urged Party cadres and members to always consider the stand of the people as the fundamental political stance and attach great importance to their interests.
The Party should unite and lead the people and make constant efforts to improve their livelihood, Xi said, adding that the fruits of reform and development should benefit all.
He also warned that if it became isolated from the masses, the Party would be like water without a source and achieve nothing.
"We must accept criticism made by the people, keep in mind their concerns and think of ways to help them become better off," Xi said, noting that in doing this "the people will always trust and support the Party."
He stressed that solidarity is a great power to overcome difficulties, urging efforts to enhance solidarity and firmly safeguard national unity, social harmony and stability.
