Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Monday urged village chiefs selected from college graduates to respect and serve farmers so as to win their trust and support.

He made the remarks while meeting with 34 students-turned village chiefs from across the country.

Appointing village chiefs from college graduates is a strategic decision to develop rural economy and strengthen the foundation of the ruling of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the countryside, said Xi, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He praised the young village chiefs for being able to use their knowledge to help in rural development.

Xi urged CPC and government officials to improve the working conditions of the village chiefs by providing necessary policy and financial support, so that they will find it pleasant to stay and distinguish in their jobs.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2008)