Xi underlines studies on May Fourth Movement

The call made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, for more study of the May Fourth Movement, will help younger generations better understand the value of its spirit, observers said.

Xi underlined the need to strengthen studies of the May Fourth Movement and its spirit during a speech at the group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday, according to a news release issued on Saturday.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the movement launched by young intellectuals and participated in by people from all walks of life. It was a political, anti-imperialist movement that stemmed from student demonstrations in Beijing on May 4, 1919.

Presiding over the session on the historical significance and modern value of the movement, Xi said the studies should elaborate on why the movement is of great and far-reaching significance for development and progress in contemporary China, and why Marxism has become a guide for the cause of the Chinese people's revolution, construction and reform.

Such studies must aim to make it clear why the CPC could shoulder the historical responsibility of leading the people in realizing national independence, people's liberation, national prosperity and happiness for the people, Xi said.

By doing so, it should be made clear why socialism has taken root and continues to improve and develop in China so as to guide people to draw lessons and wisdom from history, and foster stronger confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he added.

He called for in-depth studies of the great significance of patriotism, progress, democracy and science advocated in the movement so that its spirit can motivate young people to make unremitting contributions to national rejuvenation.

Xi also underscored the importance of responding to why the theme of contemporary Chinese youth movements should be to strive to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, require all aspects of society to care for and serve the youth, and also create a sound environment for them to develop, innovate and undertake pioneering work.

Xi's remarks will guide younger generations in taking history as a mirror, and combining their personal ideals with the dream of national rejuvenation, Hu Xianzhong, a senior researcher at the China Youth and Children Research Center, said in an article published by China Youth Daily on Sunday.

Since the movement began nearly a century ago, the country's youth has been collectively marching with the times and the people under the leadership of the CPC－whether in periods of revolution, construction, or in the nation's campaign of reform and openingup, Hu said.

As the centenary of the movement draws near, a good understanding of its history will make youths know more about why their futures are closely connected with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation so that they will find their niches and play bigger roles in the country's socialist cause, he added.

Chen Yuhao, a postgraduate student at the University of International Business and Economics, said the spirit of patriotism, progress, democracy and science is still the core value of Chinese youth, and should be upheld and carried forward in the new era.

Xinhua contributed to this story.