Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on young students to strive for national prosperity and contribute to world peace.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while visiting the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign during the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, in Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province.
Xi laid a floral basket to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in 1940.
During the visit, Xi reviewed the history of the CPC leading both the military and civilians in the courageous fight against Japanese invaders, and learned about local efforts to carry out revolutionary history education and promote the great spirit of resisting aggression.
Xi had cordial conversations with young students and staff at the memorial hall.
"I am very familiar with the history of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign. Coming here and seeing the exhibition, I am still deeply moved and feel spiritually renewed. History, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future. Children, you should become the backbone of the nation, striving to make our country strong and prosperous, and contribute to world peace. The future belongs to you. You must work hard and strive with excellence -- stand tall as upright, honorable, and proud Chinese," said Xi.
The Hundred-Regiment Campaign was a bold and unprecedented counterattack by the Eighth Route Army, led by the Community Party of China, that not only disrupted enemy operations but galvanized national morale during the darkest days of World War II.
Xi urges young students to strive for national prosperity, contribute to world peace
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
