Carry forward Sun Yat-sen's legacy in great national rejuvenation drive: China Daily editorial

Detailed summary

A great national hero, a great patriot and a great pioneer of China's democratic revolution — that was how President Xi Jinping described Sun Yat-sen in a speech at a gathering in…

A great national hero, a great patriot and a great pioneer of China's democratic revolution — that was how President Xi Jinping described Sun Yat-sen in a speech at a gathering in Beijing on Thursday to mark the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth.

Born in 1866, Sun led the Revolution of 1911 more than a century ago to abolish the absolute monarchy that had ruled China for thousands of years. Sun died in 1925.

Sun's enduring significance lies in his patriotism, dedication to the people, pursuit of truth, determination to overcome challenges, commitment to unity and global vision.

To inherit a legacy is to demonstrate its relevance through progress and achievement. Chinese communists are the most steadfast supporters, loyal collaborators and faithful successors to the revolutionary cause initiated by Sun. For more than 100 years, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in writing the most magnificent chapter in the history of the Chinese nation.

"The best way for us to remember Dr Sun is to emulate, inherit and carry forward his invaluable spirit, steadily advancing our endeavors to build a great country and rejuvenate our nation," Xi said.

Xi's emphasis on carrying on Sun's legacy to build a great nation is pertinent to the practical demands of the present: pursuing high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization, while bringing the benefits of progress to the people.

On the new journey, it is essential to put the people first and make solid headway in promoting well-rounded personal development and common prosperity for all.

Sun set an example by devoting his life to the pursuit of truth. The nation should follow this example and courageously advance theoretical exploration and innovation, and continue to write new chapters in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

In the process, the Chinese people should carry forward Sun's unyielding determination, rise to the challenges ahead and break new ground in the country's…

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