President Xi Jinping called on Chinese people at home and abroad on Thursday to unite more closely, carry forward Sun Yat-sen's legacy and work together for national rejuvenation, turning into reality the great dream pursued by generations of Chinese people since the advent of modern times.
Xi also urged people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Chinese people worldwide to join hands in opposing "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the complete reunification of the motherland.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a gathering commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth, attended by about 3,000 people at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Sun, one of the nation's revered revolutionary forefathers, was born in 1866 and led the Revolution of 1911, which ended thousands of years of imperial rule in China. He died in 1925.
Xi hailed Sun as a great national hero, a great patriot and a great pioneer of China's democratic revolution who devoted his life to transforming China and made outstanding contributions to its people and the Chinese nation.
Chinese communists are the most steadfast supporters, loyal collaborators and faithful successors to Sun's revolutionary cause, Xi said. Over the past century and more, the CPC has led the Chinese people in writing the most magnificent chapter in the nation's history, he added.
The railways, roads, communications networks, water conservancy projects, canals, ports, factories and mines that Sun envisaged in his Plans for National Reconstruction have not only become reality, but have been surpassed in scope and scale, he said.
China now ranks as the world's second-largest economy and has achieved moderate prosperity in all respects, Xi said, adding that these achievements would bring solace to Sun.
The best way to remember Sun is to emulate, inherit and carry forward his invaluable spirit, steadily advancing efforts to build a great country and rejuvenate the nation, he said.
Xi said that Sun always upheld national unity and ethnic solidarity and resolutely opposed any word or act attempting to split the country and divide the nation.
His strong desire and firm resolve for national reunification have continued to enlighten, educate and inspire Chinese people at home and abroad, Xi said.
Realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is an unwavering historical mission for the CPC, the shared aspiration of all Chinese people and a natural requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Xi said.
Taiwan's realities, as well as the interests and feelings of Taiwan compatriots, would be fully taken into account, he said, while stressing that no room would be left for "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities in any form.
Taiwan's future lies in national reunification, and the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots are tied to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, he added.
Xi also called for carrying forward Sun's patriotism and lifelong dedication to building a strong and prosperous China.
Praising Sun's devotion to the people, he stressed the need to put the people first, serve them wholeheartedly and make solid progress toward well-rounded personal development and common prosperity for all.
Noting that Sun devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, Xi stressed the need to learn from Sun's example, advance theoretical exploration and innovation with courage, and continue to write new chapters in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.
He also urged Chinese people to carry forward Sun's unyielding determination, rise to challenges and break new ground in the country's development.
"We must carry forward the fighting spirit, build up our ability, be ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms, and overcome all the risks and challenges we face on the way forward," Xi said.
Highlighting Sun's commitment to unity, Xi stressed the need to unite all forces that can be united, consolidate and develop the broadest possible patriotic united front, and pool strength to advance Chinese modernization.
Sun's vision extended beyond China's borders, Xi said. Sun believed that a stronger China would bear a major responsibility to the world and that its transformation would help bring a brighter future for humanity.
On Thursday morning, a ceremony to pay respect at a Sun Yat-sen cenotaph in Beijing's Biyun Temple was organized to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth.
mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
