In the afternoon of March 4, Xi Jinping, Chinese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, spoke with political advisors from three Chinese non-Communist parties including China Association for Promoting Democracy, Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, and Jiu San Society. Xi emphasized the whole society should respect intellectuals and cultivate a favorable environment for them.

To achieve the great rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, intellectuals should offer their talent and innovative approach. They are expected to make greater contributions to the country by breaking new ground, leading the innovative course, while pursuing truth and righteousness, with the belief that the world is equally shared by all.

Xi's remarks on the eve of International Labor Day in 2016 has shown earnest expectations for intellectuals to play their own advantages in building a comprehensive well-off society.

This year, it is the second time for Xi to call on officials from central and local governments to take intellectuals as bosom friends, and listen to their forthright admonition.

Brainstorming and collecting wisdom allow intellectuals to demonstrate their talent and energy. Accordingly, the great cause of the Chinese Dream will stand invincible.

By Song Xiongwei, associate professor, the department of politics, the China National School of Administration; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting.