BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Tuesday called the pursuit of reform and opening-up and socialism with Chinese characteristics a milestone in realizing the Chinese nation's rejuvenation.

Xi made the remarks at a gathering in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up.

The founding of the Communist Party of China and the founding of the People's Republic of China were also the milestones on the way toward the great national rejuvenation in the modern times, Xi said.

They represented three historic events taking place after the May Fourth Movement in 1919, according to Xi.