BEIJING - The top leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Tuesday called for national unity and courage to fight against the earthquake that jolted Southwest China's Sichuan province.

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting on relief work of the quake, which struck Lushan County in Ya'an City Saturday morning, leaving at least 193 dead and 25 missing.

"Calamities always help to make a nation stronger. The more difficult situations we face, the more we need to boost the national cohesiveness and the courage to face up to hardships and dangers," according to a statement from the top leadership, issued after the conference.

"It is impossible for our path of development to be plain sailing, as risks and challenges of every kind could be encountered. We should always be prepared for danger in times of safety and strengthen our awareness of hardship," the statement said.

"As long as we are prepared and united, we will be fully capable to deal with all complex situations and overcome every potential difficulty," the statement continued.

Heroic and respectful behaviors during the quake-relief efforts should be reported and carried forward to inject new "positive energy" to Chinese spirit and strength, it added.

The conference called for all Party members and people of all ethnicities to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee and make unremitting efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

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