Wen urges pursuit of democracy
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-05-05 08:13
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that democracy and science are
important for China to transform itself into a modernized country and the two
things must be pursued.
Wen paid a visit Thursday to Beijing Normal University, one of the most
prestigious universities in China, celebrating the Chinese Youth Day with the
students and young teachers.
Premier Wen Jiabao (R)
talks with a student in the dorm of Beijing Normal University, in Beijing,
capital of China, May 4, 2006. Wen Jiabao visited the university Thursday,
celebrating the Youth Day (May 4) with students. [Xinhua]
|
The Premier said that China should creat a democratic atmosphere that can
ensure people's rights to vote, to make decision, to participating in management
and to exercise supervision.
"We must enable everybody to fully grow up in an environment of equity,
justice and freedom," according to Wen, adding that the country will also
provide a platform for people to criticize and supervise the government.
In addition, the country should encourage scientific innovation, and
education is the base of fulfilling those goals, he said.
The Chinese Youth Day originates from the "May 4 Movement" in 1919, which
spearheaded a campaign to spread democracy and science by college students
across the country.
Since then, democracy and science have become two major symbols of China's
moderization that always remembered by Chinese intellectuals. After the founding
of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the country further interpreted the
two concepts in a socialist manner.
Wen told the students and teachers that democracy and science must be pursued
by young people, and if the goals are not achieved,there would be no socialism
and modernization.
He also asked the students to balance the learning of liberal arts and
science, and asked the young teachers to further understand and learn from
students, who are very creative and innovative.
Wen was accompanied by State Councilor Chen Zhili.
|