In his speech at the First Session of the 12th National People's Congress, President Xi Jinping gave a call to rally the strength of the people to realize the "Chinese Dream" of national rejuvenation. The collective strength of the people is the main force behind China's unprecedented rise, and only through unity can Chinese people help realize their shared dream, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The Chinese people, resilient as they have been to hardships, have always valued the welfare of the family and the nation above everything else. The dream of making people happy and adding to their prosperity has been the dream of the nation as well as of every individual and family.

With China's enhanced comprehensive strength, people's livelihoods have significantly improved. And the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will ensure the Chinese people of an even better life.

Obviously, individual happiness is linked to the country's destiny, and China's 1.3 billion people comprise a community of shared destiny. The community is getting one step closer to realizing the dream of national rejuvenation with every passing day thanks to the nation's collective efforts, the contribution of more than 260 million migrant workers to the country's economic growth, the important role of volunteers across the country in the development of civil society and public participation in the country's policymaking process.

This is China's strength, a power garnered from the 1.3 billion people of all ethnic groups that share the great dream of national rejuvenation. It is this strength that sustains the country through ups and downs, from the war-torn past to reform and opening-up, and the ongoing strategic reform. It will continue to be the source of the nation's strength, spurring the country on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The course of national rejuvenation, however, is not smooth. Despite the robust economic growth of the past decades, new problems have emerged. They include the dwindling demographic dividend, rising environmental problems and the widening wealth gap, which have created confusion and raised questions among the public.

Of course, these challenges will not reverse the national course. But greater wisdom and efforts are needed from the people to make the Chinese Dream a reality. Given the growing confidence and capabilities of the people, China has never before been so close to realizing national rejuvenation.

People should consider themselves fortunate to be part of this country in these times of great change. And they have to fulfill their obligations to realize the Chinese Dream and become part of history.

(China Daily 03/25/2013 page9)