BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Thursday stressed further advancing the study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Xi made the remarks while presiding over and addressing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

The group study session aims to play an exemplary role in encouraging the whole Party to thoroughly study and implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era during a Party-wide theoretical study program scheduled for launch in April, Xi said.

Liu Guozhong, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, He Weidong and Chen Min'er, all members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, shared their understanding of studying and applying the thought during the group study session.

While delivering a speech at the session, Xi said the study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the fundamental requirement for opening up new horizons for the development of the cause on the new journey in the new era.

He noted that the Party is faced with complex situations both at home and abroad on the new journey in the new era, with challenging tasks related to domestic reform, development and stability, as well as uncertain and unpredictable risks and challenges lying ahead.

To fulfill the strategic goals set at the 20th CPC National Congress, it is imperative that all Party members and cadres, especially leading officials at all levels, further advance their study and implementation of the thought, he said.

Xi described the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a holistic and scientific system that includes various aspects such as promoting reform, development and stability, handling domestic affairs, foreign affairs and national defense, and governing the Party, the country and the military.

He emphasized fully and systematically studying the main content of the thought while grasping its scientific system to avoid fragmented learning.

Xi underscored a six-point approach that must be followed in advancing theoretical innovation, that is putting the people first, maintaining self-confidence and self-reliance, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, adopting a problem-oriented approach, applying systems thinking, and maintaining a global vision.

The goal of studying the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era lies in its application, Xi noted, urging efforts to apply the Party's new theories in implementing the major strategies and deployments set at the 20th CPC National Congress.

Efforts should be made to make good use of the thought to achieve new progress and breakthrough in Chinese modernization, to solve the conflicts and problems facing economic and social development, to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, accelerate the creation of a new development pattern and pursue high-quality development, and to promote common prosperity, Xi said.

Xi asked Party members to be good at utilizing the thought to prevent and defuse major risks, always maintain combat preparedness, firmly forestall risks from spreading out of control, and guard against systematic risks.

The thought should also be applied to advance the Party's full and rigorous self-governance, Xi added, urging efforts to always stay alert and determined to address the challenges unique to a big political party like the CPC, focus on solving both emerging problems and deep-seated ones, and ensure the Party never changes its nature, conviction or character.

Xi called on members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to set an example in the theoretical study program.

They should take the lead in theoretical study, investigation and research, and assessment and rectification of problems, he said, urging the members to comprehensively identify their own shortcomings and deviations in work, properly handle and consciously accept oversight from within and outside the Party, and conscientiously engage in criticism and self-criticism.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in promoting the theoretical study program in their respective regions and areas of responsibility, carrying out the campaign in a down-to-earth manner, and striving to achieve tangible results, Xi said.