Taking shape at the beginning of China's reform and opening-up process, late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's socialist construction theory continues to gain momentum after having yielded much fruit in past decades. Critics view Deng's theory that is filled with far-sight proposals and judgments constitutes a key part of China's socialist theory.

"China's socialist construction will surely remain a long time theme, and Deng's theory has erected a sound and bright lantern for it," said Luo Wendong, an expert with the Institute of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

A general view shared by experts is that Deng's theory inherited the essence of Mao Zedong Thought and made many significant breakthroughs that eventually directed China from a planned economy into a brand new market economy era.

As a result of the market-oriented reform, social fortunes have increased greatly, the living standard of the 1.3 billion people as a whole improved marvelously which have in turn consolidated the nation's determination to go ahead on the socialist path.

Deng provided a basic and necessary "precondition" for China's rapid economic growth in the following 20-plus years, said Luo. "China has its own traditions and conditions, and China should handle its affairs in its own way instead of simply copying other countries' practices," said Takeuchi Minoru, honorary professor of Japan's Kyoto University.

A recent survey among netizens indicated that 48.2 percent of the respondents expressed their concern over in what way Deng's theory will be further integrated with China's reality and in turn guide the country's into the future.

In fact, Deng's name has gone far beyond the Chinese land. Astreet in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, is named after Deng.

Kyrgyz President Askar Akayevich Akayev once said Deng's theory on reform and opening up was of value to all countries. "The reason we commemorate Deng is to learn his theory, follow his guidance and strive for the rise of the Chinese nation and global peace and prosperity," said Wang Mingpi, president of a US-based Deng Xiaoping studies foundation.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2004)