BEIJING -- The 1911 Revolution was "a thoroughly modern, national and democratic revolution" which had shook the world and ushered in unprecedented social changes in China, according to Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Hu made the remarks during a keynote speech delivered at the ceremony held here Sunday morning to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 1911 Revolution.

The Revolution of 1911 overthrew the Qing Dynasty, ended the absolute monarchy that had ruled China for thousands of years, spread the ideas of democracy and republic, and brought about earthshaking social changes in modern China that had a profound impact, said Hu.