He highlighted the need for steadfast ideals and beliefs among the younger generation, noting that young people in the new era, while being more confident and adept in self-improvement and analytical thinking, face influences from various ideological trends.

It is inevitable for them to be confronted with confusion in various aspects, and thus they would require more in-depth and patient education and guidance, he said.

He called for the Youth League to help young people to build up their trust in the Party, confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics and belief in Marxism.

The organization should always serve as a pioneering force leading the younger generation to remain enterprising, he said, adding that the cause of the Party and the people cannot move forward without dedication from generations of aspiring youth.

"Young people are the most vigorous, enterprising and least conservative group in society, and they have in them infinite force to make the objective world better and promote social progress," he said.

The president encouraged the Youth League to lead its members in responding to the call of the Party and the people, bearing in mind major issues of the nation, shouldering their missions and tasks and living up to their potential.

The CYLC must assume the political duty of consolidating and expanding the Party's popular base among the younger generation, and provide concrete help to young people so that they can feel that the Party is always by their side.

He underlined the necessity for the Youth League to step up self-reform, including measures to strengthen its political consciousness, become more advanced and better represent the people.

Xi encouraged members of the Youth League to accept political training, step up their political development, pursue political progress and align themselves with the goal of becoming qualified Party members.

History and reality have suggested that the CPC has always been a party that has maintained its vigor and is worthy of the trust and support of young people, he said.

"Young people are like the rising sun, constantly accumulating energy," he said, adding that "the hopes of the Party and the country are pinned on the youth".

The meeting was also addressed by He Junke, first secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the CYLC, who said that Youth League members can always be found on the front line of poverty alleviation, scientific and technological innovation, fighting COVID and disaster relief.