Hu called on all the CPC members to study and practise the great "earthquake rescue and relief spirit" displayed by the local Communist heroes, which he summarized as "all people of one mind", "unity in strength", "fearlessness of hardship", "people first", and "respect for science".
"The spirit was a concentrated display and new development of the national spirit of modern China," he said.
Hu attributed the major achievement of saving lives in the first stage of the earthquake relief campaign to the firm leadership of the Party, stressing that Party organizations at all levels and members played a vital role.
The earthquake relief campaign was a test of the leadership and capabilities of the Party as well as a test for the capabilities of Party organizations and the nature of all Party members, he said.
Now, he said, was the crucial period for achieving the goal of the country's economic and social development as the earthquake relief effort entered into the stage of settling the affected people by restoring normal life and rebuilding homes.
Hu urged the whole Party to display excellence in the earthquake relief, in order to maintain the Party's flesh-and-blood link with the people.
He urged Party organizations of all levels to increase their capabilities for handling emergencies, by establishing and perfecting the working mechanism with concentrated leadership, unified command, sensitivity in response, and high efficiency.
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2008)