Xi Jinping, the newly elected head of the Communist Party of China, reiterated the country's determination to keep its pursuit of "socialism with Chinese characteristics," which he said is vital for the nation's revival.

Xi made the comments as he viewed the exhibition titled "The Road Toward Renewal" in the National Museum of China, along with other members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli.

It is the second official appearance of the new leadership, following their debut in mid-November when the 18th CPC National Congress elected the Central Committee and the top seven members of the Political Bureau.

Xi said that socialism with Chinese characteristics, which has made huge progress, has proven to be the right path to realize China's rejuvenation.

Xi said after the nation's 170 years of hard struggle since the Opium War, it has become clear that a weak nation would be the target of bullying, and only development can make it stronger.

"It is so difficult to find the correct path, and we'll resolutely carry on our cause on this road," he said.

Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, said that the CPC's top leaders have made an elaboration and review of China's history of modernization, and mapped out the country's future direction for modernization.

Modernization is an inevitable trend for China and the whole country and its people, led by the CPC, are making a contribution, Zhang said.

"Everyone is talking about a China Dream. I believe the revival of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream of the nation since modern times," Xi said.

Xi said he firmly believes the country will realize its goal of achieving a moderately prosperous society by the CPC's 100th anniversary, at a time when China has become a richer and stronger country with greater democracy and harmony.

The Party made it clear at the 18th National Congress that it will work harder to make sure people's incomes double the 2010 level by 2020.

The "China Dream" brought up and depicted by the leaders is more practical than previous theoretical slogans and one that more people can relate to, Zhang said.  "China Dream" reflects the spirit and values of the Chinese people throughout its efforts in the past 100 years. It is a dream that a people develop while their country modernizes and becomes prosperous.

Scholars also have different interpretations of the concept of China's rejuvenation.

National rejuvenation is the revival of past glories, said Tang Chongnan, a researcher with the Institute of World History under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The rejuvenation of a major country means it has sufficiency and wealth for its people, and friendly relationships with other countries while remaining well-mannered and dignified as a big country, he said.

Xinhua contributed to this story

Global Times Editorial: Wish for national rejuvenation runs deep