BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the 42nd Teachers' Day, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended festive greetings and sincere regards to teachers and other educators across the country on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

In his congratulatory message for Teachers' Day annually celebrated on Sept. 10, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted that over long periods of time, teachers across the country have earnestly implemented the Party's education policies, devoted themselves to teaching, imparting knowledge and nurturing new talent, and made important contributions to advancing the cause of the Party and the country.

On the new journey, Xi emphasized, it is hoped that teachers nationwide would remain true to their original aspiration and mission of cultivating talent for the Party and the country, carry out the basic task of fostering virtue through education, and carry forward the spirit of outstanding educators. All teachers are expected to uphold high standards of professional integrity and conduct, enhance professional competence and capabilities, and foster a new generation of young people to shoulder the mission of realizing national rejuvenation.

Party committees and governments at all levels are urged to attach great importance to strengthening the teaching workforce, cultivate a favorable atmosphere of respecting teachers and valuing education throughout society, and forge strong synergy for building China into a leading country in education.