Liu Yunshan (C), president of the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of the school's 2013 fall semester second batch program in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese leader Liu Yunshan on Thursday urged efforts to comprehensively deepen reform, saying the country is at a new historical starting point.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the comments while attending an opening ceremony held by the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

The decision on "major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms" approved by the 18th Central Committee of the CPC on Tuesday, serves as a strategic plan at a new historical starting point, Liu said.

"Key breakthroughs were made in both theory and policies and the blueprint is an epoch-making document," he said.

It is important to adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics and ensure the right direction of reform at all time, he noted.

Liu urged Party members to combine overall design at the top level with the pragmatic reform approach of "crossing the river by feeling the stones."

The masses should be relied on to promote reform in an active yet prudent manner, Liu added.