Hu Jintao, who just took over as chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and his predecessor Jiang Zemin had a meeting with all participants of the Fourth Plenum of the 16th CPC Central Committee Sunday afternoon.

Hu, 61, and Jiang, 78, appeared at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing and shook hands cordially, triggering an outburst of loud applause from all present.

"Today we are all very happy," said Hu after he and Jiang posed for a picture with all. "On the occasion of the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenum, our respected and beloved Comrade

Jiang Zemin has come to join us. Let's welcome him to give us an important speech with warm applause."

In his short yet emotional speech, Jiang first thanked the Party Central Committee for accepting his resignation from the post of CMC chairman, and then extended "heartfelt gratitude" to all comrades of the Party for their support for him all these years.

"I hope that everyone will work hard and keep advancing under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as general secretary," said Jiang. "I'm convinced that our Party's cause will witness more and bigger victories!"

On behalf of the Party Central Committee, Hu paid homage to Jiang for his "outstanding contribution to the Party, the state and the people," and thanked Jiang for his "support and assistance " to the new central collective leadership of the Party.

"We will definitely live up to the trust of the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country, hold high the great banners of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the Important Thought of Three Represents, seize the opportunities with faith and resolution, unite together and work hard to further push forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics," Hu pledged.

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2004)