Xi urges new progress in modernization

President Xi Jinping called on Monday for constant efforts to achieve new accomplishments that will stand the test of history and time and fulfill the expectations of the people, amid China's drive to build a strong country and advance national rejuvenation.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of late top legislator Qiao Shi.

Xi praised Qiao's outstanding contributions to the Party and the country, and called for learning from his revolutionary spirit and noble character.

Qiao was a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. He served as head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection from 1987 to 1992, promoting the building of a clean Party and improving anti-corruption laws and rules.

Widely known as a champion of rule of law, Qiao served as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, from 1993 to 1998. He supervised revisions to the Constitution, which saw the theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics written into the Constitution as a guiding principle. He also oversaw legislative work on a series of economic laws so that the legal framework of the socialist market economy could take shape.