While speaking at a symposium attended by representatives of the faculty and students, Xi commended the university's development, achievements and its contributions to national development.

He said that this year witnesses the start of a new journey of fully building China into a modern socialist country, and it is more imperative than ever to improve higher education and improve understanding of science and outstanding talents in order to serve the Party and the country's development.

China's higher education should be based on the overall strategic situation of national rejuvenation as well as the profound changes in the international landscape unseen in a century, Xi said.

It should assume its due responsibilities and make contributions to the country's prosperity, national rejuvenation and people's happiness, he added.