Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zheng Yanxiong reads out a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, on July 25, 2023, at Pui Kiu Middle School, in North Point, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / LOCPG.GOV.CN)

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from students of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong SAR, encouraging them to make contributions to building an even better Hong Kong and achieving national rejuvenation.

In his letter dated July 24, Xi said he was pleased when the students told him that they had a stronger sense of pride in being Chinese after participating in activities such as interacting with astronauts of China's Tiangong space station.

Xi called on the students to gain a better understanding of global trends, delve into the history, culture, and present realities of their motherland, and develop a deeper love for the country and its people

Xi said patriotism lies at the heart of Chinese national spirit.

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People in Hong Kong maintain the noble tradition of loving both the motherland and Hong Kong, which serves as a crucial cornerstone for the stable and enduring implementation of "one country, two systems," Xi said.

The president called on the students to gain a better understanding of global trends, delve into the history, culture, and present realities of their motherland, and develop a deeper love for the country and its people.

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He also urged the students to sharpen their skills and abilities to become capable talent ready to shoulder great responsibilities at an early date.

Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zheng Yanxiong poses for a group photo with students, teachers and other guests after reading out a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, on July 25, 2023, at Pui Kiu Middle School, in North Point, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / LOCPG.GOV.CN)

Pui Kiu Middle School was founded in 1946. It is known as one of the first Hong Kong schools to raise the national flag after the founding of New China in 1949. The school has nurtured generations of people who love both the motherland and Hong Kong.