Hu made the remarks at the fourth study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Monday afternoon in Beijing. The session focused on recent trends in contemporary development of science and technology, China's scientific and technological development, and the application of science and technology in SARS control.

Hu said that the Chinese people possesses great ethos, a formidable attribute that has kept the nation indomitable for thousands of years. In moments of difficulty, such as the current fight against SARS, it is even more important to carry forward this great ethos and intensify the cohesion of the Chinese nation.

He urged the entire Party and nation to rally around the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, pool resources and form a powerful, united force against SARS.

He urged cooperation and mutual assistance throughout society, including extending concrete and strong support to SARS patients, medical workers and SARS-stricken areas.

He urged the public to maintain high morale, a practical approach, composure and fortitude in fighting SARS.

He urged all CPC members and officials at various levels to bear in mind the tenet of serving the people whole-heartedly, asking them to voluntarily treat SARS control work as the implementation of the important "Three Represents" theory and lead the Chinese people in actively fighting the SARS epidemic.

According to the "Three Represents" theory, an important Party-building theory, the CPC must represent the development trend of China's advanced productive forces, the orientation of advanced Chinese culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people.

Hu said the key to winning the fight against SARS lies in giving full play to the important role of science and technology.

He urged all levels of Party and governmental organizations to respect the laws of science and rely on scientific measures in the various aspects of SARS treatment, prevention and control work.

He asked medical researchers to further intensify their efforts to find an effective SARS treatment and prevention methods and apply their findings in SARS control as early as possible.

He called for the dissemination of scientific SARS prevention and treatment knowledge among the masses so that they would be able to protect themselves more effectively.

He also urged the conscientious implementation of the law on the control of infectious diseases.

Hu stressed that the fight against the SARS epidemic tests the capability of the Party and the Chinese Government in handling complex situations and the will and courage of Party members and the nation at large in the face of difficulties.

He expressed optimism that, with the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and the concerted efforts of the entire Party and nation, China will definitely win this fight against SARS.

He urged adherence to the strategy of reinvigorating China through science and technology and vigorously pushing forward scientific and technological development and innovation, noting they are important to China's development and the great goal of building a well-off society in an all-round way.

He urged Party and governmental organizations at various levels to attach great importance to the key role of scientific and technological advances in economic growth, asked officials at various levels to increase their knowledge of science and technology and urged society to increase its scientific and technological knowledge.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)