Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday called on young people to bring their talents into full play to contribute more to the country's modernization drive.

Hu, who is also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks while meeting members of the newly-elected leadership of the 15th Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) and some of the delegates attending the ongoing 15th national congress of the CYLC.

Hu congratulated the members on their election and the success of the congress, noting that the country has entered an important period in its modernization drive, which calls for greater efforts on the part of the younger generation.

The president asked young people to be more diligent in learning and keen in creation while ready to dedicate themselves to the country.

"Young people are the hope of the country and the Chinese nation," said Hu, urging CPC committees at all levels to care more about the work of the youth league and to create an environment in which young people can best display their talents.

(China Daily July 26, 2003)