Party officials called on to firm up beliefs

He urged young officials to always keep in mind that firming up their ideals and beliefs is a lifelong task, and they must make constant efforts to make them stronger.

Firm ideals and beliefs are also the prerequisite to staying loyal to the Party, he said, adding that the key touchstones for loyalty are upholding the Party's leadership, resolutely upholding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, and faithfully implementing the Party's theories, lines, principles and policies.

Xi encouraged officials to keep their feet firmly on the ground, have more contact with people at the grassroots level and garner both positive and negative feedback from the public in order to know the real situation in a more thorough manner.

He warned officials against playacting during their research trips, saying that they must hear the truth and research real problems.

The most fundamental standard to determine whether an official can seek truth from facts is whether the official can tell the truth, address real issues and work toward pragmatic results, he said, adding that young officials must have the courage to adhere to the truth, excel in independent thinking and stick to a realistic and pragmatic approach.

Xi stressed the need for officials to assume their responsibilities, saying that the Party assigned the officials to various posts expecting them to conduct themselves proactively, rather than to enjoy ease or comfort from their position.

He called upon the officials to rise up to difficulties, live up to their duties and act boldly and unwaveringly on issues that are beneficial to the Party and the people.

The general secretary noted that upholding principles is a key part of the character of a Party member and an important criterion to determine whether an official is up to his job.

A Party member should never be ambiguous or make concessions on matters of principle, as such behavior amounts to being irresponsible to the Party and the people and could be considered a misdeed, he said.

In order to guard against corruption, Xi called on officials to remain thoroughly disciplined, refrain from actions that cross the line, and improve their political awareness and ideological level.

Young officials, who are at the ideal age to bolster their capabilities, must seize every minute to learn and improve, especially in terms of knowledge and skills that will help them excel in their jobs, he added.