China's leaders past and present enter the country's parliament to soaring patriotic music.<br/> They are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, which ended two millennia of imperial rule.<br/> President Hu Jintao called the revolt - led by Sun Yat-Sen - a turning point in Chinese history.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO SAYING:<br/> "It was a thoroughly modern, national and democratic revolution. The revolution of 1911 greatly freed the minds of the Chinese people, opened the flood gates for progress in China and explored a path for the development and progress of the Chinese nation."<br/> He also used the opportunity to repeat calls for reunification with self-ruled Taiwan, which also celebrates the Xinhai revolution.<br/> "(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO SAYING:<br/> "Mr. Sun Yat-sen once said, 'Unification is the hope of all Chinese people. With unification, the country's entire population will benefit; without unification, everybody will suffer.' Realising unification by peaceful means best serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots."<br/> The revolution began on October 10, 1911 and eventually led to the collapse of the ruling Qing Dynasty.<br/> Andrew Raven, Reuters
