BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to children of workers on islands in East China Sea ahead of June 1, International Children's Day.

In a letter written on Monday and made public on Tuesday, Xi wrote of a visit to the Dachen Islands ten years ago when he talked with the children's grandparents, who left home to develop the uninhabited islands 60 years ago.

The Dachen Islands are located off Taizhou Bay in Zhejiang Province. In 1956, 467 young volunteers went there to cultivate the virgin land.

Xi's letter was written in response to 12 pupils who are the descendants of those volunteers. Xi said their grandparents were most beloved people.

The 12 pupils said they would remember their grandparents' dedication, and study hard to contribute to the country when they grow up.

Xi hoped they would learn from their grandparents, love the Communist Party of China, the motherland and the people, and make contributions to the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.