Xi stresses Long March spirit for national rejuvenation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders visit an exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Long March in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 23, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

He called for remembering the Red Army's achievements and carrying forward the Long March spirit, in education, in patriotism and in revolutionary ideals.

The people should be guided to march forward with confidence and courage, in "a new long march" that will bring prosperity to the country and realize the Chinese dream of the rejuvenation of the nation, the president said.

Also present at the exhibition were Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

The exhibition tells the stories of major battles, historical incidents and important figures involved in the Long March.

It displays 275 photos and 252 artifacts, as well as a great number of videos, charts, paintings and sculptures, showing the Red Army's fight against the Kuomintang regime and Japanese aggressors under the CPC's leadership.

While addressing the exhibition's opening ceremony on Friday, Liu Yunshan said that the Long March was a turning point -- from setbacks to victory -- for the CPC and China's revolutionary cause, and it laid a solid foundation for national independence and liberation.

The precious photos and relics, which show the hardships and great spirit of the Long March, are important for education in patriotism and revolutionary tradition, as well as a vivid lesson in socialist core values, Liu said.

About 600 people, including veterans, Party, government and military officials, and public representatives, attended the opening ceremony.