China celebrates 65th anniversary

BEIJING, Sept. 30 -- President Xi Jinping said Tuesday China will continue to give priority to development, adhere to reform and innovation and stay committed to the path of peaceful development.

Xi made the remarks when addressing a reception marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Xi called for enhanced unity within the Communist Party of China (CPC), adding that the CPC should reinforce cooperation with other parties and maintain the bond with the people.

"We must stand firmly with the people," Xi said. "We will always proceed from and aim at realizing, safeguarding and developing the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people."

He called for enhanced confidence in the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics as well as in the theory and system regarding the path.

The Communist Party of China is key to the country's success, Xi said.

"We must never waver in our faith and must never separate ourselves from the people," he said. "All problems that affect the Party's creativity, cohesiveness and effectiveness must be addressed, all illnesses that harm the Party's advanced nature and purity completely cured and all tumors grown on the healthy organism of the Party removed."

He also stressed modesty and cautiousness as China will remain at the primary stage of socialism for a long time to come.

"A nation may thrive in adversity but perish in ease," he said. "We cannot afford to be complacent at any time. This is certainly true for both the Party and the country, including the leadership and the people."

He called on the Chinese people to cultivate and practice the core socialist values, build the will of the nation around its shared ideals and unleash Chinese strength through Chinese spirit.

"Sixty-five years is but a fleeting moment in the history of human development. Yet in this short space of 65 years, the Chinese people have made spectacular and Earth-shaking changes," said Xi.

Over the 65 years, China has transitioned from new democracy to socialism. It has blazed and broadened the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, translating socialism into a successful path and institutional system, said Xi.

Over the 65 years, China has made historic progress in raising social productivity and overall national strength, and the Chinese people have experienced a historic leap forward from poverty to having adequate food and clothing and to a life of moderate prosperity, he said.

Over the 65 years, China has followed an independent foreign policy of peace. It has upheld justice, stood alongside developing countries and led by example in maintaining world peace and promoting common development, he said.

"Our road ahead is long and arduous, and we must be fully prepared for the great struggle that has many new historical features," he said, adding that the Chinese people are sure to prevail over all hardships and difficulties and take China into an even more glorious future.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi paid tribute to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, all the CPC members, all officers and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army and the armed police, and all members of the democratic parties and personages without party affiliation.

Xi also extended greetings to compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan as well as Chinese nationals residing abroad, and expressed thanks to friendly countries and foreign friends who had supported and assisted New China in its development.

About 3,000 people from China and abroad attended the reception at the Great Hall of the People.