The country's young people were called upon on Tuesday to unite closely around the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core to strive for national rejuvenation.

Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and president of China, attended the opening ceremony of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Youth League of China held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The ceremony was attended by all seven members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee, released the CPC Central Committee's statement at the opening ceremony.

Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the core, the Communist Youth League has firmly safeguarded the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its unified and centralized leadership, pushed reform of the youth league, and governed the league with strict discipline since its 17th National Congress, Wang said.