"Chinese dream" highlighted as parliamentary session concludes

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China's parliament concluded its annual session on Sunday after a smooth installation of new legislature and state leaders who pledged for further reform and development in pursuit of "Chinese dream."

Nearly 3,000 national lawmakers voted to elect or endorse the country's legislative, state, military and judicial leaders including president, top legislator, premier and cabinet ministers.

In his first public speech as Chinese president, Xi Jinping said Sunday that Chinese people should enhance the confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics and make persistent efforts to realize the "Chinese dream."

The Chinese dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation "is a dream of the whole nation, as well as of every individual," he said, adding that all Chinese deserve common opportunities of enjoying a wonderful life.

To realize the dream, China must take the Chinese way, or the way of socialism with Chinese characteristics, said Xi, who was elected the state president on Thursday, replacing Hu Jintao.

Xi vowed to honestly fulfill his duties given by the Constitution, saying his election means "glorious mission" and "profound responsibilities."

"I will be always loyal to our motherland, be loyal to the people and dedicate all my time and energy to my duties and responsibilities to serve the people," Xi said.

"I will never let you down and will live up to the trust and expectations of people of all ethnics," Xi said.

In his speech, Xi called for fostering the "Chinese spirit," which features patriotism, and uniting the people as a form of "Chinese strength."

Observers said the concept of the "Chinese dream" is based on the leadership's understanding of China's reality and their vision of the country's future.

After three decades of rapid economic growth, the world's most populous country now becomes the second largest economy. However, "people's happiness is not only measured by their incomes, but also the possibility for them to pursue a dignified life," said Professor Wu Zongmin with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

"In a nation with a long and glorious history that also suffered humiliation and poverty for more than a century, people need inspiration and hope for a bright future," he said.

Sun Xianzong, an NPC deputy and research fellow with the Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the "Chinese dream" is also a signal to the rest of the world that China intends to maintain stability, realize sustainable growth, improve social justice and emerge in a constructive way.