Zhou (front row, first left) with teachers and schoolmates from the Tianjin Nankai High School.

January 8, 2024, marks the 48th anniversary of the passing of Premier Zhou Enlai (1898–1976). Zhou was a great Marxist, a prominent proletarian revolutionary, politician, military strategist and diplomat. "Every time we mention Zhou's name, we feel warm and proud," Chinese President Xi Jinping said, praising his great contribution and lofty spirit which has been enshrined in the hearts of the Chinese people and those around the world who pursue peace and justice.

Zhou was committed from his youth to "studying for the rise of China," vowing to "remain courageous in the face of danger and dare to bear the weight of moral responsibility." He believed that "those with great ambitions strive to save the country and contribute their utmost to society." He moved to Tianjin for his studies at the Tianjin Nankai High School in August 1913 and then entered Nankai University in September 1919.

During his time at Nankai, Zhou was involved in founding patriotic student organizations, editing progressive newspapers, staging plays to disseminate progressive ideas, and actively participating in the May Fourth Movement of 1919.

Zhou's patriotic sentiment

From a young age, Zhou understood that a solid educational foundation was necessary to "serve society and the country" in the future, "apply what he had learned for the world's benefit, and fullfill his personal aspirations."

On August 19, 1913, Zhou was accepted into the Tianjin Nankai High School. In this modern educational environment, he significantly enhanced his knowledge and cultural understanding, also using his spare time to read books with progressive themes, setting a more ambitious goal of national salvation.