Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed ethnic unity for the economic and social development in minority areas, while extending New Year greetings to people of all ethnic groups, during a tour of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed ethnic unity for the economic and social development in minority areas, while extending New Year greetings to people of all ethnic groups.

Xi made the remarks during a tour of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, calling people of all ethnic groups to unite to defend the country's northern border.

Xi gave affirmation to the economic and social development through ethnic unity in the region after hearing its government report.

He also encouraged Party cadres to cultivate fine work styles and continue the mass line campaign in order to further deepen reform.

In his tour, Xi visited forestry stations, prairies, enterprises and communities.

Xi urged local cadres to accelerate the reconstruction of a shanty town in order to allow the people living there move to new houses as soon as possible, when he visited Guo Yongcai, 74, who lives in poverty.

In his visit to communities, Xi said that the Communist Party of China (CPC) cadres should work hardest.

In Xilingol League in western Inner Mongolia, a herdsman reflected on the difficulties of local electricity and transportation. Xi urged the local government to make plan to solve the problems.

Xi highlighted that local governments should step up the effort to transform traditional husbandry to modern husbandry and explore good measures to help local herdsmen.

Xi also commented on food safety while visiting a dairy producer and called for more care from society for orphans and disabled children during a visit to a children welfare house.

He visited the family of Party role model Niu Yuru, and called on all CPC members to learn from him.

Xi reiterated promotion of an ecological civilization system to protect the prairies and environment in the region.

"We should contribute more to building a beautiful China, and explore a green path in accordance with natural law and the country's situation," Xi said.