Chinese President Xi Jinping has paid tribute to late reformist leader Hu Yaobang by urging today’s Communist Party cadres to follow in his footsteps to tackle the country’s tough issues.
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At the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said that opening up and reform were the “magical instruments” of China’s modernisation but the party still had to “crack the hard nuts” to counter challenges and to improve governance.
He issued the call at a symposium to mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of Hu, a liberal party chief who steered China’s political and economic reform in the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution.
“Comrade Hu Yaobang actively advocated and promoted reform and opening up, and devoted a great deal of effort to promoting socialist modernisation. We should learn from him, [dare to] stand at the forefront of the times and vigorously pursue reform and innovation,” Xi said.
Modern Chinese leaders often weave their policy priorities into commemoration speeches to rally the party and draw inspiration from the political legacy of late leaders.
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Xi called Hu “a time-tested loyal communist fighter and a great proletarian revolutionist and statesman”, according to state news agency Xinhua.