President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Chinese Young Pioneers, a national organization for Chinese children, on its 70th anniversary.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the youths to grow up to become a new generation of people capable of shouldering the great task of national rejuvenation.

Extending greetings to the Young Pioneers, their instructors and staff members across the country on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi said the CYP, under the Party's leadership, had made important contributions to passing on the cause of the Party and the people over the past 70 years.

The CYP should serve as a school for children to learn about socialism with Chinese characteristics and communism, as well as serving as a reserve force to build socialism and communism, Xi said.

Xi urged the youth to love their country, the people and the Party and to build noble ideals, foster good morals, study hard and build a strong body.

The whole Party and society should give high attention to the CYP's work, Xi said, asking Party committees and governments at all levels to create favorable conditions for the healthy growth of the young generation and the development of the CYP.

Founded and led by the CPC, the CYP currently has about 130 million members, from age 6 to 14.