Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed dialectical materialism as a way to deepen reform.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday.

Xi recalled that in 2013, the bureau convened for a meeting on historical materialism, and said "studying dialectical materialism and historical materialism will help CPC members get better understanding of Marxist philosophy."

Xi reiterated that China will remain at the primary stage of socialism for a long time to come. Through 30 years of reform and opening up, China has made historic breakthroughs in productivity, comprehensive national strength and people's living standards, but the situation and challenges both domestically and abroad are changing.

"We should grasp new traits in new phases of development, and stipulate guidelines in accordance with reality," Xi said, adding ideology should be the heart of the Party.

All CPC members, Xi said, should value ideological work and promote "core socialist values", taking a direct and positive attitude toward contradictions in development.

China should not be judged by GDP alone, said the president. China should be judged by its transition in economic development, restructuring, dissolution of overcapacity and by the strength of the nation's commitment to an ecological society.

In a complicated situation with many heavy tasks, the CPC should take a holistic view, completing construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, ruling the country by law and running the Party strictly.

Dialectical methods can deal with complex problems, and make strategic decisions by avoiding disadvantages. "Experience is the best teacher," Xi said.