BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) to reinforce Chinese youths' belief in the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Xi made the comments during a group talk with the new leadership of the Central Committee of the CYLC, which was elected earlier Thursday.

Prior to Xi's speech, Qin Yizhi, newly-elected first secretary of the Secretariat of the 17th Central Committee of the CYLC, reported on the just-concluded 17th national congress of the CYLC.

While congratulating on the newly-elected leadership and the smooth running of the congress, Xi urged them to set an example to commit to hard work and study, strict self-discipline as well as contact with the country's youths.

Praising the CYLC's work over the past years, Xi stressed that the youth league should prioritize the cultivation of successors for the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics as "the basic mission" while consolidating the youth foundation for the Party's reign.

According to Xi, the CYLC should "help young people to set high ambitions, strengthen their belief in the socialist path with Chinese characteristics, equip them with scientific theories, inspire them with a historical perspective...," reinforcing their belief in the CPC.

Xi described the youth league as a "strong fortress" for young people as it should listen to their voices, solve their problems and take care of them.

Meanwhile, Xi urged CYLC officials to improve their work capabilities by communicating with the youths while resolutely avoiding formalism, bureaucracy and profligacy, calling on them to hone their qualities in arduous and complicated regions.

In addition, Xi urged CPC committees at all levels to strengthen the guidance of the CYLC's work and provide a sound work environment for youth league organizations.

Founded in 1922, the CYLC is an organization under the leadership of the CPC and currently has 89 million members nationwide.