BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Tuesday called on communist cadres to maintain purity of minds and uphold social ethics so to be role models to others.

Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the ceremony to mark the beginning of spring semester held for three Communist Party official schools: China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong; China Executive Leadership Academy, Jinggangshan; and China Executive Leadership Academy, Yan'an.

Li said Party officials, with far-reaching social influence, should play exemplary roles in practicing socialist core values.

Li also urged party officials to feel empathy for the general public, to be concerned with their life difficulties and to try to solve their problems.

Additionally, Li encouraged Party officials not to pursue personal gains, but give themselves to the country and to resist money-worshiping and hedonism.