Honour reformer Deng Xiaoping by realising China’s revival, Xi Jinping urges nation

‘We must steadfastly implement one country, two systems,’ Xi says, marking 120th anniversary of birth of Communist Party patriarch

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Deng Xiaoping is heralded as the “architect” of China’s economic reform, transforming a poor, backward country into a global superpower. Photo: AFP

Xinlu Liangin BeijingandWilliam Zhengin Hong Kong

Published: 10:29pm, 22 Aug 2024Updated: 12:55am, 23 Aug 2024

The best way to commemorate Communist Party patriarch Deng Xiaoping is to persevere to realise the mission of national rejuvenation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, the 120th anniversary of the late leader’s birth.

Paying tribute to Deng’s political legacy while also identifying with it, Xi called on the country to rally behind his own policies on establishing a modern economic system, promoting hi-tech self-reliance, and safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests.

“The enduring tribute to Comrade Deng Xiaoping is to continue pushing forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics he initiated,” Xi told top government and party officials as well as Deng’s relatives and former staff at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Xi delivered the address at a commemorative event held every decade around August 22 – a tradition that allows the party’s leaders to reconnect with its founding fathers and announce a path forward.

He used the event to offer a salute to the past and to acknowledge the political challenges of today.