Xi addresses commemorative gathering for late leader Jiang Zemin

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged the whole Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to continuously advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics as the country marked the birth centenary of late leader Jiang Zemin.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi said Jiang made indelible contributions to safeguarding the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, breaking new ground in reform and opening up in all respects, achieving overall moderate prosperity in people's lives and successfully advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century.

He also called for learning from the late leader's firmness in political conviction.

Jiang had remained unswervingly firm in communist ideals, utterly loyal to the Party and the people, and resolutely committed to the cause of the Party and the people, said Xi.

The late leader had emphasized the importance of strengthening the Party's leadership and effectively improving Party building as the country advanced reform and opening up and developed its economy, he added.

On the new journey, it is imperative to uphold the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, unswervingly strengthen the full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party remains the strong leadership core in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, said Xi. (With input from Xinhua)