President Xi Jinping called on Tuesday for the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) to push for reform and innovation within the organization and provide sincere aid to people in need.
Xi made the remarks in a meeting with representatives at the 10th General Congress of the RCSC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Describing RCSC as a bond linking the public with China's Communist Party and the government in the humanitarian field, Xi said that the role of the Red Cross is highly valued.
He added that the humanitarian organization, whose branch in China was founded in 1904, has played a key role in disaster rescue and relief, safeguarding people's health and promoting peace and progress.
The president also urged Party and government officials at all levels to give more support to RCSC missions and help the organization deal with challenges to its development.
With support from the Party and the government, and with encouragement from the public, the RCSC will open a new chapter, Xi said.
Top Party and state leaders Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan were also present during the meeting.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the congress, Vice Premier Liu Yandong urged for more efficiency and transparency in the RCSC so as to enhance its credibility, and focus its efforts on impoverished areas.
The Red Cross has come under intense public scrutiny in China in recent years. In 2011, 20-year socialite Guo Meimei claimed to be the general manager of an entity related to the RCSC and posted pictures showing a lavish lifestyle, leading to public speculation as to whether the organization had misused its donations from the public. Guo later recanted her claims and apologized to the Red Cross in 2014.