Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the closing meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Sunday to make arduous efforts to achieve the "Chinese dream."

"In face of the mighty trend of the times and earnest expectations of the people for a better life, we cannot have the slightest complacency, or get the slightest slack at work," Xi said at the closing meeting of the National People's Congress, China's legislature.

"We must make persistent efforts, press ahead with indomitable will, continue to push forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to achieve the Chinese dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

To realize the "Chinese dream," China must take the Chinese way, he said.

People of all nationalities must gain confidence in the theory, the road and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and forge valiantly and unswervingly ahead along the right road, Xi said.

To realize the Chinese road, we must spread the Chinese spirit, which combines the spirit of the nation with patriotism as the core and the spirit of the time with reform and innovation as the core, Xi said.

The Chinese people of all ethnic groups must spread the great spirit of the nation and the great spirit of the time, keep strengthening the spiritual bond of solidarity and the spiritual drive of constantly striving for improvement, and step toward the future, always full of vigor and vitality, Xi said.