President Xi Jinping on Friday honored former leader Chen Yun at a high-level ceremony in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Xi urges reform and legacy as central goals for modern Party members. The event marked the 120th anniversary of Chen’s birth and gathered top officials from the Party’s highest ranks. Xi described Chen as a key figure in China’s economic foundation. He called for dedication, discipline, and bold vision in the new era.
Xi praised Chen’s leadership in both Mao Zedong’s and Deng Xiaoping’s administrations. He urged current officials to inherit Chen’s strategic thinking and sense of public duty. Xi urges reform and legacy again as essential to secure China’s rise amid global shifts. He said leaders must modernize the economy while honoring the values of early revolutionaries. National revival, Xi stated, demands both continuity and courage.
Xi called on the Party to improve its ability to govern through science, research, and real-world application. He pointed to Chen’s method of “seeking truth from facts” as vital for making sound decisions. According to Xi, policies must reflect lived experience—not just ideological slogans. Xi urges reform and legacy by asking the Party to deepen reforms swiftly but carefully. Leaders must show skill, vision, and integrity in the face of pressure.
He also emphasized the urgency of boosting China’s economic competitiveness. The Party, Xi said, must guide this transformation while maintaining social stability. Only by mastering the laws of development can the Party lead effectively. Xi wants Party members to take bold action but avoid reckless risks. Xi urges reform and legacy through continuous self-renewal and improved leadership capacity.
Senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, and Wang Huning attended the ceremony. Zhao presided and echoed Xi’s call for discipline and hard work. Xi closed the event by urging cadres to model Chen’s lifelong commitment to the people. He reminded them that real strength comes from service, clarity, and resilience. National goals, he added, can only succeed if Xi urges reform and legacy in both thought and action.
