BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged Chinese youth of the new era to love their country ardently, saying the essence of patriotism is having unified love for the country, the Communist Party of China, and socialism.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that young Chinese of the new era should follow the instructions and guidance of the Party, and remain dedicated to the country and the people.

Xi made the remarks in a speech delivered at a gathering to mark the centenary of the May Fourth Movement.