Xi: Children are nation's reserve force

President says Chinese Young Pioneers has important role in building socialism

President Xi Jinping has encouraged members of the Chinese Young Pioneers to nurture their love for the Communist Party of China, the motherland and the people from childhood as they are the country's reserve force to build socialism and communism.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent to the eighth national congress of the CYP, which opened on Thursday, via video and telephone links.

The CYP, founded in 1949 and led by the CPC, is a national mass organization for Chinese children ages 6 to 14, most of whom are primary or secondary school students.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted in the letter that the CYP plays a role like that of a big school where its members establish lofty aspirations and develop fine characteristics and various skills.

In the new era, the CYP should continue to follow the CPC and pass on the tradition of revolution, he said, urging the organization to unite, educate and guide its members to be well-prepared for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Xi also demanded stronger Party leadership over and greater government and public support for work related to the CYP in order to create favorable conditions for the health and growth of children in the new era.

Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's letter at the meeting.

Around 2,000 people, including heads of provincial-level Party committees, principal officials from the Communist Youth League of China and education authorities, delegates to the congress and representatives of CYP members, instructors and workers, attended the meeting which lasts until Friday.

Xinhua contributed to the story.