Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday urged new CPC Central Committee members to well understand and carry out the Party's policies set at its 17th National Congress.

Hu made the remarks at the beginning of a symposium for the newly elected CPC Central Committee members and alternate members.

The symposium, held at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, is expected to strengthen the "self-construction" of the CPC Central Committee and encourage the whole Party to better follow the spirit of the 17th CPC National Congress.

Hu underlined in his speech that the Central Committee plays a very important role in undertaking various works both for the Party and the country, and thus to build it into a solid leadership is of great significance.

Leading all Chinese people to a development path of socialism with Chinese characteristics despite interference and fear is a "solemn responsibility" of all Central Committee members and alternate members, Hu said in his speech.

Xi Jinping, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee who presided over the opening ceremony, encouraged the attendants to better study the spirit of the 17th National Congress including the "Scientific Outlook on Development".

The attendants will study the essence of the congress through special reports, group discussions and self-study.

Other members of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee, including Li Changchun, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, attended the opening ceremony.

The current 17th CPC Central Committee has 204 members and 167 alternate members who were elected on 21 October at the Party's 17th National Congress.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2007)