President Hu Jintao hailed the country's young people for their performance in the recent fight against the May 12 quake that struck southwest China's Sichuan and some neighboring provinces.

Hu said: "Young people showed adamant spirits in the recent fight against the quake. They contributed significantly to the fight and they left us many touching stories to tell.

"Reality has proved that the country can rely on those young men who have grown up during the reform and opening-up period," he added.

Hu made the remarks in Beijing on Saturday at a meeting with the new leadership of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) Central Committee and delegates to the 16th National Congress of the CYLC.

Hu said: "During three decades of reform and opening-up, many young people have been answering the party's calls and dedicating themselves to making innovative achievements in various fields."

Hu urged young people to continue to shoulder their historic tasks and devote themselves to striving for new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

"Study harder. Work harder. Fight harder!" Hu told the country's youth.

Hu stressed that the CYLC should strengthen self-construction and strive to influence all young people across the country and prepare them for the party's work.

He urged CYLC organizations at all levels to enhance their leadership and ensure the healthy development of the country's young people.

Li Changchun and Xi Jinping, both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the meeting.

The CYLC is China's mass youth organization, with a membership of 75.4 million as of 2007. About one in four, or 24.8 percent, of Chinese youth were members, according to the CYLC Central Committee.

The 16th National Congress of the CYLC, which opened on Tuesday, has been lauded by the delegates as more frugal, inclusive and practical.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2008)