Beijing, May 05: Amid rising death toll from SARS, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has appealed for national unity in the fight against the killer epidemic, which he described as a 'test' for the whole nation, especially the younger generation, the state media reported today. "The fight against SARS was a stern test for the whole nation, and a practical trial for the young generation," Wen, who is yet to complete two months as Premier said while touring the prestigious Qinghua University and the Beijing Agricultural University here yesterday.
"Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China and the government, with abundant material and technological support, the nation was sure to achieve complete success in the battle," he said.
Wen urged the nation to carry forward the patriotic spirit of democracy and science in the country's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 'China Daily' reported.
His tour coincided with 'Youth Day', a national day to commemorate the May 4th movement of 1919, an anti-imperialist, anti-feudal movement which marked the beginning of the new democratic revolution in China.
Wen, accompanied by Vice Premier Wu Yi who also doubles as health minister, spoke casually to students of the universities about their study and health, as students remained quarantined within their university campuses in an effort to prevent the further spread of sars.
A total of 163 new SARS cases including seven deaths were reported on the Chinese mainland in the last 24 hours. A total of 197 people have died in China from SARS. Bureau Report