President Xi Jinping has called on teachers nationwide to enhance their professional competence and capabilities, and foster a new generation of young people to shoulder the mission of realizing national rejuvenation.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a message to extend greetings to teachers and educators across the country ahead of Teachers' Day, which is celebrated annually on Sept 10.

He noted that teachers nationwide have earnestly implemented the Party's educational policies, dedicated themselves to education, imparted knowledge and nurtured young minds, making significant contributions to the cause of the Party and the State.

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On the new journey, Xi called on teachers throughout the country to bear in mind their original mission of nurturing talent for the Party and the nation, and to fulfill the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, vigorously promote the spirit of educators, and cultivate a high standard of professional integrity and conduct.

He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to attach importance to strengthening the teaching workforce, fostering public respect for educators and encouraging support for education, thereby bringing together all efforts to build a leading country in education.

As of 2025, the number of full-time teachers in China exceeded 18.7 million, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Contact the writers at caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn