Premier Wen Jiabao has called on the nation to carry forward the patriotic spirit of democracy and science in the country's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Wen also highlighted the importance of solidarity in the face of the challenge presented by SARS during a tour of the prestigious Tsinghua University and the Beijing Agricultural University on Sunday.

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 and State Councilor Chen Zhili, spoke casually to students of the universities about their study and health, and also learned of the schools' efforts to prevent SARS.

The fight against SARS was a stern test for the whole nation, and a practical trial for the young generation, said Wen.

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.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2003)