Yangquan City, Shanxi Province — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on young students to become the backbone of the nation, urging them to contribute to building a strong country and promoting world peace.
During a visit on Monday to a memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign, President Xi engaged in heartfelt conversations with students and staff. He emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping the future, saying, “The hope is reposed in you and the future belongs to you.”
He encouraged the students to work diligently, forge ahead, and take pride in their Chinese identity. “Be upright and proud,” Xi urged, highlighting the importance of moral integrity and national pride.
The visit coincided with the anniversary of the July 7 Incident, also known as the Lugou Bridge Incident of 1937, which marked the beginning of China’s whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression. Laying a floral basket in tribute, President Xi paid homage to the martyrs of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign, a significant military operation during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1940 to 1941.
“The Communist Party of China was the pillar of the national resistance,” Xi remarked. He underscored how the campaign showcased the unwavering will and strength of the Party and the Chinese people in the fight against aggression.
Reflecting on the past, President Xi stated, “China made tremendous sacrifices during the 14-year war of resistance. If the past is not forgotten, it can serve as a guide for the future.” He emphasized the importance of learning from history to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The president’s visit served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the responsibility of today’s youth to carry forward their legacy.
