Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, after more than two hours of flight from Beijing on Friday morning.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) discusses with officials the quake relief work during his flight to the disaster area in southwest China's Sichuan Province May 16, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo)

During the flight, Hu opened a map, and carefully assessed the quake damage and the progress of relief work with others aboard the plane.

Hu said that after several days of endeavor, the relief work has been comprehensively launched and is proceeding in an "forceful, orderly and effective" way.

However, he said, "The challenge is still daunting, the task is still arduous and the time pressing."

Although the "golden relief time", which refers to the 72 hours after an earthquake occurs, has already passed, he said, "Saving lives is still the top priority of our work."

At the same time, he said, "we need to make greater efforts in treating the injured, restoring the transportation, telecommunications and power supply infrastructure in quake-stricken areas and ensure basic living conditions for local residents."

Hu stressed, "Currently, quake relief work has entered into the most crucial phase. We must make every effort, race against time and overcome all difficulties to achieve the final victory of the relief efforts."

At 10:30 a.m. Friday, Hu's plane landed at the airport of Mianyang City.

In the meeting room of the airport, Hu, together with Premier Wen Jiabao who has been in the disaster-hit area since Monday, vice premier Hui Liangyu and vice chairman of Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong, made research and deployment on the quake-relief work.

After that, Hu rushed to Beichuan county by automobile.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao greets Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) upon Hu's arrival in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, May 16, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo)