China celebrates its annual Youth Day on 4 May, honouring the legacy of the patriotic May Fourth Movement of 1919 that shaped modern Chinese history. On this occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended festive greetings to young people across the country and expressed high expectations for their contributions. Edited excerpts from Xi's speeches and writings on youth since 2017 follow: 

More young people have chosen to serve as volunteers in the country’s western regions and rural areas over the years, demonstrating their spirit of dedication and sense of responsibility. 

Reply letter to a group of volunteer teachers working in a remote border school in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on 3 May 

Chinese youth should dedicate themselves to the country’s modernisation drive by serving where the nation needs them most. 

Reply letter to a group of volunteer teachers working in a remote border school in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on 3 May 

Young people are the most vigorous and enterprising, and the least conservative group in society, who possess endless power to change the world and society for the better. 

Speech at a meeting marking the centenary of the Communist Youth League of China on 10 May 2022 

Only when you integrate your goals with those of the nation and the people, advance with the times and share the aspirations of the people will you live up to your values and realise the lofty goals of life. 

Speech at a conference marking the centenary of the May Fourth Movement on 30 April 2019 

A country will be full of hope and have a great tomorrow only when its younger generations have ideals, ability and a strong sense of responsibility. 

Report to the 19th CPC National Congress delivered on 18 October 2017