Premier Wen visits quake zone school

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Following the flag raising and national anthem, Premier Wen spoke to the crowd: "It's been exactly 110 days since the earthquake. Beichuan survives, and the Beichuan Middle School survives. We stand on our own feet, tough and unafraid."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiaobao said, "A nation's misfortunes will be overcome and replaced by the nation's development. The country's future depends on you, on all of the young generation, on your courage and hard work."

Wen Jiabao said the quake brought considerable devastation but also experience and strength. He also reminded students and teachers NEVER to forget those who died in the disaster. He also encouraged the students, saying he believes all of the people at the school will win respect and pride through their hard work and tough spirits. The premier also stressed that, in life, one should always have the will power to confront adversity with courage... and overcome any disaster.

Wen Jiabao said, "The most important thing for you right now is to believe that a bright future is always ahead!"

Before his departure, Wen Jiabao took time to offer his support to dozens of students who were paralyzed by the quake. He also spoke with a teacher who wrote to him a while ago to tell the premier that over 50 students in his class passed this year's college entrance exam and entered university. Wen Jiabao asked the teacher to give his best regards to the students, who sat for the exams in tents after the quake.

Monday was the beginning of a new school term in China and about four million students in the quake zone returned to classes.

Editor:Zhang Ning