Dec 5-6, 2002: Hu Jintao visits revolutionary base in Xibaipo

Between December 5-6, 2002, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited the former revolutionary seat of the CPC central committee in Xibaipo, north China's Hebei Province. 

Hu, Zeng Qinghong and other members of the CPC central committee secretariat visited the site of the Secondary Plenary Session of the Seventh CPC Central Committee in 1949.

They reviewed the CPC's great history of leading the Chinese people in revolutionary struggles and they also talked with local officials and residents about the economic development and infrastructure construction in the area.

In March 1949, the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh CPC Central Committee was held in Xibaipo. In the Party history, the meeting had a strategic significance since it was held at the dawn of the liberation, when the CPC needed to seize the momentum and adjust its policies. How to lead the nation to the economic development became its main task. Then leader Mao Zedong asked all Party members to be modest, prudent and self-disciplined.

After reviewing Mao Zedong's speech, Hu Jintao said that the 16th CPC National Congress, which was held in November 2002, raised the goal of building a well-off society in an all-round way, which requires all Party members and ethnic groups to work hard and unite as one.

He stressed that all Party members, particularly the cadres, must remember their mission of wholeheartedly serving the people, and struggle for the welfare of the greatest number of people.

He asked cadres at various levels to expand work at the grassroots level, to listen to and take care of the people and to lead them in building happy lives.

In his speech, the general secretary said that the Thought of Three Represents is vital for the CPC's development. It is a guideline to build a sound Society.

He also stressed that though China has made significant economic development in the past decades, officials should not feel conceited or arrogant. He pointed out that China is still a developing country, there is a long path to the modernization, and the burdens are heavy and the tasks piled high.

Hu Jintao urged Party officials to meet the economic challenges ahead brought on by the fierce global competition. The CPC should continue to share people's joys and sorrows.

He urged local officials to understand people's difficulties, care about them and do more for them. The Party members should always remember that their vital purpose is to serve the people.