Xi: CPC to build mighty nationwide force driving China's development

The Communist Party of China (CPC) will generate waves of positive energy which can build into a mighty and nationwide force driving China's development and progress, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Wednesday.

Xi made the remarks as he led other members of the Standing Committee of the 19th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau to meet the press at the Great Hall of the People.

"We must continue to rid ourselves of any virus that erodes the Party's fabric, make great efforts to foster a healthy political environment of integrity, and generate waves of positive energy throughout our Party," Xi said.

The CPC will mark its centenary in 2021.

"For a party which fights for the eternal wellbeing of the Chinese nation, the centenary only ushers in the prime of life," Xi said. "As the world's largest political party, the CPC must behave in a way commensurate with this status."

"Its history makes it abundantly clear that the CPC is capable of not only spearheading a great social revolution, but also imposing a great reform on itself," he said. "We, as its members, must always have a youthful spirit, and forever be the servants of the people, the vanguard of the times and the backbone of our nation."

"Exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party is a journey to which there is no end. We should never entertain the idea of taking a breather or halting our steps," he said.

Xi stressed the significant role of the people.

"The people are the creators of history. It is to them that we owe all our achievements," he said. "As long as we firmly align ourselves with the people and rely on them, we can and will have boundless energy to forge ahead, come rain or shine."