ISTANBUL

China's President Xi Jinping called on officials from the Communist Party of China to strengthen legal efforts concerning Beijing on the international level, an official statement said on Tuesday.

He said "bolstering" the rule of law in foreign affairs "serves the long-term need for building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization."

Xi, who is also the general secretary of the party's Central Committee, spoke during a group study session of the committee's Political Bureau on Monday.

He highlighted the need to "create law-based governance conditions and a favorable external environment for advancing Chinese modernization."

The Chinese leader said the foreign-related legal system development was "important in fostering high-standard opening-up and addressing external risks and challenges."