Xi calls on building China into education powerhouse

President stresses enhancing teachers' political, social and professional status

President Xi Jinping called on Monday for respecting teachers and valuing education, stressing the importance of stepping up efforts in educational modernization in a bid to build China into an educational power.

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, made the comment at a national education conference on Monday marking China's 34th Teachers' Day.