BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has called on the Communist Party of China (CPC) and society to promote the social norms of respecting teachers and valuing education.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the statement at a national education conference on Monday, which marks the 34th Teachers' Day in China.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended congratulations and greetings to teachers and educators nationwide.

He stressed enhancing the political, social and professional status of teachers so that they can enjoy their due social prestige and make greater contributions to the cause of the Party and the people by imparting knowledge and educating people.