The current earthquake relief and rebuilding work have further displayed the nature and capabilities of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Sunday in a tour to quake-hit areas of Sichuan Province.

The mainstay role played by Party organizations at different levels, Party members and officials in the anti-quake campaign shows that the recent years' efforts to Party building have been "very fruitful," said Xi, also member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

During his 3-day inspection tour, Xi visited Youxian, Pingwu, Beichuan, Jiangyou, Dujiangyan and Wenchuan counties, which were worst hit by the May 12 earthquake.

He talked to ordinary quake survivors, Party members and officials, and rescuers, while visiting tents and makeshift residence buildings. He also distributed books to some students. He told construction workers from Shandong, Guangdong and all other provinces to ensure the quality of the temporary houses.

Wherever he went, Xi inquired the performances of local Party organizations and Party members in the rescue and relief work. He spoke highly of the many "Party Member Commandoes", who have won high appreciation by the people.

"(We must) ensure that where there are people still in need, anti-quake efforts and rebuilding work to be done, there are grassroots Party organizations and Party work," he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Xi presided over a workshop, to hear reports by local officials and study relief, post-quake rebuilding, and economic and social development in Sichuan.

He said "a safe, timely and smooth relay of the Olympic Torch in Sichuan must be ensured," which will be the last leg of the torch relay only second to Beijing, host city of the 29th Olympic Games.

On the same day, Xi had a meeting with visiting delegations of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, respectively led by HK Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Macao Chief Executive Ho Hau-wah.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2008)