August 22 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. A documentary about his life, as well as a special exhibition, feature in a series of nationwide events. A commemorative coin and a set of stamps have also been issued in memory of the revered leader.
The premiere of the documentary film "Hello Xiaoping" was held in Beijing. Using historical records, the documentary shows how he survived changing political fortunes to become the architect of China's opening up and reform policy. It also gives audiences a glimpse on his life as a family man.
Audience Zhang Youqiong said, "I watched the film with tears. It seems he is with us again. Thanks to the 'reform and opening-up' policy he outlined for us, my life is getting better. And the better life gets, the more I miss him."
Renowned Macao entrepreneur Ma Man-Kei who is also vice chairman of China's top advisory body, shared his memories of the late leader.
He said, "Deng Xiaoping is the greatest son of the Chinese people. I respect him very much. And I think all Chinese and people all around the world also hold him in high esteem. He not only carried on Mao Zedong Thought, but also developed his own theory. On the return of Hong Kong and Macao, he put forward the principle of "one country, two systems," which has great meaning to Hong Kong, Macao, as well as Taiwan and the reunification of all of China."
Monday, the National Museum in Beijing received a commemorative coin made in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The coin is made of gold, silver and natural diamond. It has Deng's picture and a dragon inscribed on its two sides. Deng was born in a Year of the Dragon which is also a symbol of prosperity to the Chinese people.
The museum has also been gifted a special "one-off" issue of 101 stamps which reflect the life of the late leader over different stages in history.
The coin and the stamps are being shown at the museum along with an exhibition of Deng Xiaoping's life.
(CCTV.com August 10, 2004)
