Xi calls for learning from Jiang Zemin's rock-solid political conviction

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Monday called for learning from late leader Jiang Zemin's firmness in political conviction.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a grand gathering held at the Great Hall of the People in commemoration of the birth centenary of Jiang.

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.