国内英语新闻:Chinese president urges accelerated development in revolutionary bases

LONGYAN, Fujian, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday promised favorable polices to support and accelerate the development of old revolutionary bases.

"It is an important duty of the Party and government to help old revolutionary bases speed up development and improve people's living standard," Hu said during a two-day trip to Longyan City in east China's Fujian Province just ahead of the Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year, which falls on Sunday this year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (Front) dances with residents at Wulong Village in Gutian Town of Shanghang County under Longyan City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 13, 2010. President Hu made an inspection tour in Fujian on Feb. 12-13

"In the future, we will continue to implement every favorable policy to help promote the sound and rapid development in the old revolutionary bases," Hu said.

Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited Gutian Village in Shanghang County in the drizzle Saturday morning.

Gutian Meeting, which had a milestone significance to the history of the CPC and the army, was convened in 1929 in the village.

"After ten years, I've come to Gutian again," said Hu, who last visited the village in 1999. "I feel happy from my deep heart to see the significant changes that have taken place here and the improved living standards of the villagers."

Chinese President Hu Jintao (4th R) prepares special local New Year food with family members of Zhang Tangmei at Wulong Village in Gutian Town of Shanghang County under Longyan City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 13, 2010.

He added that during the revolutionary era, people in the old revolutionary bases made great sacrifice and contribution to the victory of China's revolutionary cause and the founding of New China.

He expressed hope that the villagers would continue to uphold the spirits of hard work and plain living so as to create a better life with their own hands.

Hu visited a museum in memory of the meeting. At the office venue where Comrade Mao Zedong once worked, he stood still for quite a long time, to review the spirit of the Gutian Meeting and recall the merits and achievements made by the older generations of revolutionists.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (3rd R) prepares special local New Year food with family members of Zhang Tangmei at Wulong Village in Gutian Town of Shanghang County under Longyan City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 13, 2010

Hu also met with some local veterans, asking about their health and living conditions and greeting them on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

He added that currently, the whole Party and the whole nation were making great efforts to build a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. He urged the inheritance of the spirit of Gutian Meeting and more efforts in building the Party and the nation.

Hu also visited Wulong Village near the venue of the Gutian Meeting. At the home of 95-year-old villager Zhang Tangmei, Hu extended new year's greetings to her and prepared special local new year food with her family.

While making the glutinous rice with sweet Chinese dates, Hu asked the family members' life and work and wished them better life in the new year.

At a square in front of the Wulong Village, Hu also joined the locals in dancing.