Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called on people to carry forward the spirit displayed by the Chinese Red Army in the Long March eight decades ago. He made the remarks at a gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March.

Xi hailed the Long March as a remarkable turning point－from setbacks to victory－for the CPC and China's revolutionary cause, after which the CPC launched the struggle for national independence and the liberation of the people.

He summarized "the Long March spirit" as seeking truth from the facts, strictly observing discipline, solidarity, bearing in mind overall interests, and going through thick and thin together with the people.

He said the Long March was a "great expedition to seek ideals and faith, test truth, and break new ground" and said that "no matter what stage our undertaking has developed to and how great the achievements we've made, we should carry forth the Long March spirit and advance in a new long march."

Xi called on people not to be complacent, saying each generation has its own Long March that it needs to complete in their own way.

"Today, our Long March is to realize the two centenary goals and the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation," Xi said.