A senior Chinese leader on Thursday urged the spreading of the quake relief spirit among the public to inspire the nation to build a better life.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the national display of solidarity and courage after the 8.0-magnitude quake was a treasure of the nation.

The sentiments were "a living lesson of patriotism," Li said, when visiting an exhibition of some 200 news photos taken in the quake areas in the past month, which depicted the rescue efforts.

The massive quake struck the southwestern Sichuan Province exactly a month ago, and had killed 69,159 and injured 374,141 others as of Thursday noon. Another 17,469 were still missing.

Li said more people, especially the younger generation, should view the exhibition.

Further, a national tour of the display should be organized to spread the spirit further among the people, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2008)