President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium attended by representatives from businesses and academia and delivers an important speech in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, May 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping stressed on Thursday the importance of further deepening reform across the board as China is striving to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a symposium in Jinan, Shandong province, to solicit opinions from representatives of both domestic and international businesses and academia.

Xi said that efforts must be centered on prioritizing the key tasks, upholding fundamental principles and strengthening coordination among different reform measures.

Noting that the ultimate goal of promoting reforms and development is to meet the people's aspirations for a better life, Xi said that reform measures must take into consideration the overall, fundamental and long-term interests of the people.