BEIJING -- On the occasion of the approaching International Children's Day, the ninth national congress of the Chinese Young Pioneers opened in Beijing on the morning of May 27. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a congratulatory letter to extend warm congratulations on the convening of the congress on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, and conveyed sincere greetings to CYP members, counselors, and all those working for the development of the CYP. Xi wished children across the nation a happy holiday.

In the congratulatory letter, Xi emphasized that children are the future vital force in building China into a strong country and advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation, and the CYP serves as a vital institution for their healthy growth. On the new journey ahead, the CYP must hold high its banner and steadfastly follow the Party, focusing on their fundamental mission of cultivating successors to the communist cause. It should be committed to fostering qualified builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics, educating and guiding its members to strive to be exemplary youths of the new era who love the Party and the country, and are diligent in their studies and well-rounded in their development. It is essential to comprehensively strengthen the Party's leadership over the work of the CYP, solidify the responsibility of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) in leading the organization, and create a favorable environment and conditions for the healthy growth of children. These measures will drive the continuous advancement of the CYP.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out Xi's congratulatory letter and delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. He noted that it is imperative to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi's important expositions on work related to children and the CYP, uphold the Party's overall leadership, and adhere to the principle of using Party building to lead the building of the CYLC and the CYP, so as to create a favorable environment for children's growth. He expressed the hope that all CYP members will keep in mind General Secretary Xi's instructions, carry forward the revolutionary traditions, traditional Chinese culture and the striving spirit to become exemplary young people in the new era who love the Party and the country, and are diligent in their studies and well-rounded in their development, so as to be always ready for contributing to the building of China into a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Shohrat Zakir, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Shen Yiqin, state councilor, and Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the meeting.

At the opening ceremony, A Dong, first secretary of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee, and Wang Jiayi, vice minister of education, delivered speeches on behalf of the CYLC Central Committee and the Ministry of Education, respectively. Representatives of the CYP shared stories about how CYP members listened to and followed the Party and grew through learning and practice within the CYP organization. Awards were presented to representatives of national outstanding young pioneers counselors and national outstanding young pioneers groups. Wang Yi, a member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee and executive deputy director of the CYP national working committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the eighth CYP national working committee.

The opening meeting was attended by approximately 3,000 participants, including those in charge of related central Party and government departments, those who lead related people's organizations, delegates to the ninth CYP national congress, representatives of national outstanding CYP counselors and groups, as well as representatives of CYP members and counselors from Beijing.