As China celebrates 94 years of communist rule, President Xi Jinping urges the members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to continue their unrelenting support and faith to the Party and the citizens.
Xi cites the professionalism and dedication of the leading land survey team of the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation as an example to be emulated. It was founded in 1954 and was crucial for collection of necessary and valuable data concerning defense and economic development.
Mapping of islands and reefs and the first independent survey of Mount Qomolangma are some of the department's major achievements.
Yu Qiqing recounts one of their expeditions, saying: "We had to endure extreme weather with poor equipment. We had to climb ice cliffs and endure the threat of avalanche, with bulky equipment weighing 40 to 50 kilograms on our back."
Xi acknowledged the fact that if it weren't for their dedication and the difficulties they encountered, the prominent contributions to map information and the country's development would not be possible.
The party's triumph over the Nationalist Party of Chiang Kai-shek in a civil war in 1949 sealed its position as the most dominant and influential political organization in the country.
It has come a long way, hurdling through significant hardships prior to its economic reformation in the 1970s, up until the country's dramatic rise as one of the world's largest economies in the 21st century.
There is a pervading belief that prosperity in China hinges on the success of the political party, as the latter is inching closer to 90 million members, from a mere 53 members in 1921.
Xi quotes a Chinese proverb which says: "Keeping to our original aspirations will lead us to ultimate success."