2nd LD-Writethru-China Focus: China commemorates former military leader Liu Huaqing

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for more efforts to promote the glorious tradition of revolutionary generation and learn from Liu Huaqing, the former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and CMC chairman, made the remarks at a symposium held in Beijing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Liu, who died on Jan. 14, 2011 at age 95.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the symposium.

Xi spoke highly of Liu Huaqing's contribution to socialism with Chinese characteristics, saying Liu, as a member of the Party's third-generation central leadership, had been involved in major Party, state and military decisions.

Liu is an excellent representative of CPC members who have fought for the country's revolution, construction and reform drive, Xi said.

"His revolutionary spirit and strong morals are worth remembering," he added.

The president called on all Chinese to carry forward tradition, be true to the Party's mission, and uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"This is the best way to remember the revolutionary generation," Xi said.

Liu was a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He joined the CPC in 1935 and was raised to major general in 1955 and general in 1988.

Xi urged Party members to follow and practise communist ideology, despite the changes of the times and conditions.

"We must strengthen the consciousness of the ideology and spare no effort to accomplish missions designated by the Party," Xi said.

Xi stressed that reform is the key to China's future. "We must resolutely advance reform, dare to tackle chronic problems, address vested interests and remove up the bondage of outdated thoughts," Xi noted.

"We must clean up obstacles hindering development and combat capacity, to satisfy the Party and the people," according to Xi.

Xi went on to say that the task to build China into a moderately prosperous nation and to register major progresses in national defense and military development by 2020 is arduous, and that it needs down-to-earth and industrious work in all sectors.

The president stressed that development of the military and combat preparedness would guarantee the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Noting that honesty and pragmatism are important characteristics of Party members, Xi called on CPC members to seek truth from practice and enrich Marxism with evolving practices. He urged Party members to face conflict head on.

Xi said that integrity is needed to ensure a clean political environment, and only by exercising self-discipline and staying away from corruption can officials have a good public image. "We must remember that power is bestowed upon us by the CPC and the people, and must be used to serve the people."

He asked officials to hold on to the correct values, lead by example and bring officials and the masses closer.

Officials from central agencies, the military, the police, Hubei province, and relatives, friends and co-workers of Liu, among others, attended the symposium. Endi