BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has encouraged the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) to focus on high-quality development and further improve its capability in providing humanitarian services.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter to the RCSC on the occasion of its 12th general congress, which opened in Beijing on Wednesday.

In his letter, Xi conveyed his warm regards to all workers, members and volunteers of Red Cross societies in the country and expressed his expectations for their future endeavors.

Hailing the RCSC as a bridge and a bond linking the Party and the government with the people in humanitarian field, Xi called on the organization to deepen reform and innovation, enhance its credibility, and actively engage in and support international humanitarian causes.

He urged the RCSC to make even greater contributions to advancing the cause of building China into a great modern socialist country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Xi also encouraged the RCSC to contribute more to the cause of peace and progress for humanity.

Xi called on all workers, members and volunteers of Red Cross societies in China to stay true to their original aspirations and strive for a new chapter in the high-quality development of the Red Cross cause.

Xi's letter was read out at the general congress on Wednesday. Vice-President Han Zheng attended the congress's opening and met with delegates to the congress.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong highlighted the RCSC's achievements since its 11th general congress in 2019, calling on the RCSC to help the Party and the government ensure that the basic needs of the people are met, while also strengthening international exchanges and cooperation.

At Wednesday's opening of the congress, 32 groups and 10 individuals received awards for outstanding achievements.

The RCSC, founded in 1904, is the oldest humanitarian organization in China.