Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged overseas students at Peking University to gain a deeper understanding of China as it really is, urging them to share their thoughts and experiences with more people and play an active role in promoting friendship between the peoples of all countries. 

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks Monday in his reply letter to 45 representatives of overseas students from 32 countries who are studying at Peking University. 

"You have taken the initiative to learn about China's national conditions and the history of the CPC, which is very helpful for understanding the past, present and future of China," Xi said in the letter. 

"To understand today's China, you must understand the CPC," he noted, as this year marks the 100th founding anniversary of the CPC. 

"You mentioned (in the letter) that the CPC is committed to economic development, poverty eradication, and actively assisting other countries in fighting the pandemic," Xi noted. 

He said it's because the CPC is a party that works for the happiness of the Chinese people and the cause of human progress.