Xi also called for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and promoting ethnic solidarity.

Efforts should be made to encourage all ethnic groups to watch out for and help each other and raise awareness of ethnic unity, so that all ethnic groups could be together "like seeds of a pomegranate," he said.

Core socialist values should set the tone of the common spiritual home of all ethnic groups, Xi said, adding that they should be nurtured among the people, particularly children and even in kindergartens.

He encouraged creativity in forms and means of promoting the core socialist values and learning from traditional culture of ethnic minorities.

The country should work to build a secure and stable northern border, he said.