President Xi Jinping has extended festive greetings to children across China ahead of International Children's Day, which falls on June 1.

President Xi wished them all the happiness and growth both in learning and life.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the China National Children's Center (CNCC) over the 40th anniversary of its founding.

In the letter, Xi hailed the achievements the center has made over the decades, and encouraged people there to keep safeguarding children's rights and interests.

He also stressed the importance of making more efforts to promote the healthy and all-round development of children.

Founded in 1982, the CNCC is a national after-school education and research facility for children.