The Communist Youth League of China opened its third plenary session of the 14th Central Committee in Beijing on December 12.

An important speech by Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao on the role of youth was announced at the meeting by Zhou Qiang, the first secretary of the league's Central Committee.

In his speech, made after hearing the work report of the youth league, Hu called on league members to be enthusiastic and creative as pioneers in China's modernization drive.

League members in state-run factories should ardently support economic reforms such as the establishment of a modern corporate system, development of new products, technical renovation, and improvement in enterprises' internal management, said Hu, who is also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat.

Hu pointed out that members in rural areas should equip themselves with the technological competence to further develop economic reform in China's countryside.

He emphasized that it is the league's fundamental task to inspire China's youth through ideological and political studies. League committees at various levels should also promote international and domestic affairs to China's youth.

Hu added that the league has the duty to help those who have financial difficulties and who encounter problems in their study, work and life.

Zhou Qiang also made a speech at the session, which is to hammer out major tasks for the youth league in 2000.