BEIJING, Oct. 1 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping called for upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Tuesday at a grand rally celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, underlined the importance of ensuring the principal status of the people, staying on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and fully implementing the Party's basic theory, line and policy.

He also called for efforts to constantly meet people's aspirations for a better life and make new historic achievements.