BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday held a symposium to commemorate the 120th birthday of late Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on Party members to learn from Zhou and strive to realize the great ideal of Communism while delivering a speech at the symposium.
The route of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era has been made and China is striving for the great national rejuvenation, said Xi, adding that the great goal of modernization which was in Zhou's mind will be fully achieved in the near future.
The symposium was presided over by Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, and Han Zheng also attended the symposium.
"Every time we mention Zhou's name, we feel warm and proud," Xi said, praising his great contribution and lofty spirit which has been enshrined in the hearts of the Chinese people and those around the world who pursue peace and justice.
Zhou's noble character and great manner have inspired and nurtured CPC members generation after generation, Xi said.
Xi reiterated that Zhou was an outstanding role model who remained true to the original aspiration and kept the faith.
"We should never forget that we are Communists and revolutionists, nor should we lose ideals and faith at any time," Xi said, urging adherence to and development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Referring to Zhou as a loyal Party member who maintained the overall situation, Xi urged Party members to strictly observe political discipline and rules, maintain Party solidarity and unity, closely follow the CPC Central Committee in terms of thinking, political orientation, and actions, and follow the Party's political line.
"We must regard it as our fundamental political responsibility to be loyal to the Party, share the Party's concerns, fulfill our obligations to the Party, and work for the people's wellbeing, and forever preserve the political character of Communists," Xi added.
"Zhou loved the people and diligently worked for the people," Xi said, adding that the people have expressed their most sincere love for Zhou in plain words.
He called on the whole Party to adhere to the Party's commitment to serving the public good, exercise power in the interests of the people, and observe the Party's fundamental purpose of wholeheartedly serving the people.
"Zhou always sought self-improvement," Xi said, encouraging adherence to the Party spirit and constant strengthening of its ability to purify, improve, reform, and excel itself.
"Zhou was responsible and spared no effort in his work," Xi said. "We should learn from him and have the perseverance to hammer away until every policy and decision made by the 19th CPC National Congress is done."
Xi said Zhou was strict with himself and was a clean and upright person. He asked every Party member to be "a dignified and honest Communist" who resists corruption and privilege, consciously accepts oversight of the people, and reveres the people, the Party, and the law.
Li urged Party members to rally closely around the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core, forge ahead with determination and engage in hard work under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.