Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday visits people affected by the southwest China earthquake, May 16, 2008. He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster.

Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday went to Beichuan County of Mianyang City to visit people affected by the southwest China earthquake, encouraging them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster. [Watch video]

Hu first visited quake victims in Shengli Village, Leigu Town of Beichuan. More than 1,000 out of the 18,000 population in Leigu Town died or were missing in the quake.

Hu went into a tent to talk to one family. Seeing the man's daughter was injured in the quake, Hu said, "We know you've suffered. The quake destroyed your house and injured members of your family. We feel your anguish.

"The whole Party, army and all the people have been mobilized to support the quake relief work," he said.

Hu went out the tent and said to people surrounding the tent, "We will make every effort to rescue stranded people, treat the injured and make proper arrangements for the victims, as well as helping you to rebuild your homes."

He encouraged the victims to be strong, overcome difficulty with confidence, courage and strength.

He then went to the Beichuan Middle School, where all the teaching buildings collapsed in the quake.