The Party regulates the media. The Party-ruled and State-owned media must follow the Party line. This is determined by the country's basic political systems. This principle is the lifeline of the Chinese press. Media staff should bear in mind this principle and comprehend Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on media policy during his State media tour on Friday.

Media all over the world faces the fundamental problem of "working for whom, depending on whom and who we are." But the ideological confrontation between the West and China hides the universality of this issue.

A misunderstanding is created that the problem only exists in China but Western media remains the guardian of news objectivity that is beyond political influence.

Western news values have made some certain impact on Chinese society and the worship of media "independence" has gained popularity in China. As a result, practicing the Party principle of journalistic work faces a complicated situation.

In a globalized and Internet era that calls for openness, China cannot build up its press and public opinion with its own characteristics in a closed environment. It can only construct its core values amid the active flow of thoughts. It not only needs loyalty but also the ability to manage and use the rules of journalism.

There are two criteria to test whether the media sticks to Party principles. First, media reports should not promote wrong thoughts or harm the Party's governance ability and efficiency.

Second, management of opinions should help reinforce the credibility of media and make them the "bridge" between the Party and society.

Amid this process, we should not misinterpret correct orientations for public opinions. For example, we should not view guiding the media's coverage on complicated issues as restricting media reporting.

Facing an increasingly fierce opinion war globally, China urgently needs powerful media. This means not only the modernity of media platforms, but also the media's credibility and soft power.

In real work, we should develop both the abilities of holding on to the Party's principles and improving our soft power.

This is perhaps key for Chinese media to achieve success in its own way.

The Party is dedicated to realizing the rejuvenation of Chinese civilization and serving the welfare of the public. Under the Party's leadership, China has achieved remarkable progress amid global development competition.

Standing by the Party's progressiveness should be the source of media's vitality. Whether a media outlet sticks to the Party's principles and whether its political stance stays firm is more determined by the opinion effect it brings.

In other words, sticking to Party principles sets a high bar. It requires absolute loyalty, responsibility and professional qualifications. We should comprehend and follow such requirements.

For example, we should not view the Party's principles as censorship of media reports but as guidance and encouragement of creativity.

Admittedly, modern journalism originates from the West. China's political systems determine media staff must exploit new work methods. The whole of society should acknowledge this is a difficult task and a key exploitation during China's rejuvenation process.

As we learn from the West, we must surpass ourselves.