Hu Yaobang’s 110th Birthday: Xi Jinping Calls for Upholding Reform and Integrity

Beijing recently marked a significant historical milestone, commemorating the 110th anniversary of Hu Yaobang’s birth. At a solemn symposium held at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xi Jinping, delivered a pivotal address, urging party members to embrace Hu Yaobang’s profound spirit and continue his vital work for the nation’s progress.

The commemoration underscored Hu Yaobang’s indelible mark on China’s modern history, particularly his role in guiding the nation through a period of significant transformation. Xi Jinping’s speech served as a powerful reminder of the principles and values that Hu Yaobang championed throughout his distinguished career.

Embracing Truth and Rectification: Hu Yaobang’s Intellectual Legacy

In his address, President Xi Jinping emphasized Hu Yaobang’s unwavering commitment to the principle of “seeking truth from facts.” This core philosophy guided Hu’s efforts in advancing the Sinicization of Marxism and undertaking the crucial “rectification of organizational lines,” which played a vital role in restoring order and justice within the party after turbulent times. Xi urged all CPC members, particularly leading cadres, to emulate Hu Yaobang’s dedication to empirical truth and an objective approach to problem-solving.

• Seeking Truth from Facts: A foundational principle advocated by Hu Yaobang, crucial for policy-making and governance.
• Sinicization of Marxism: Hu’s contributions helped adapt Marxist theory to China’s unique context.
• Rectification of Organizational Lines: His efforts were pivotal in correcting past wrongs and strengthening party unity.

The Spirit of Reform and Opening-Up

Perhaps one of Hu Yaobang’s most widely recognized contributions was his fervent advocacy for and active promotion of China’s monumental reform and opening-up policy. President Xi highlighted this pioneering spirit, calling on the entire party to embrace innovation, deepen comprehensive reforms, and continuously unleash and develop society’s productive forces. This call resonates with the ongoing efforts to modernize China’s governance and economic systems.

Hu Yaobang’s vision helped lay the groundwork for China’s economic resurgence, moving the country towards greater openness and engagement with the international community. His bold leadership during this critical period continues to inspire contemporary efforts to sustain growth and address societal challenges.

Upholding Integrity and Party Discipline

Another crucial aspect of Hu Yaobang’s legacy that Xi Jinping stressed was his profound emphasis on rectifying party style and combating corruption. Xi called upon all party members, especially those in leadership positions, to resolutely resist malpractices and corrupt phenomena, thereby preserving the clean and honest political character of communists. This message aligns with the CPC’s persistent campaigns against corruption, aiming to maintain public trust and ensure the party’s vitality.

To learn more about Hu Yaobang’s life and political career, you can visit his Wikipedia page. For further insights into the party he led, explore the Communist Party of China’s Wikipedia page.

A Lasting Impact on China’s Trajectory

The commemoration of Hu Yaobang’s 110th birthday is more than just a historical observance; it is a reaffirmation of principles that continue to shape China’s path. By recalling Hu’s dedication to truth, his pioneering spirit in reform, and his commitment to party integrity, President Xi Jinping effectively linked the past with the present, providing guidance for the future direction of the Chinese Communist Party and the nation.

His legacy serves as a beacon for those striving for progress, transparency, and a stronger, more prosperous China, reflecting a continuous journey of self-improvement and national development.