Nearly 1.000 guests, including Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the reception marking the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on October 1.

Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, presided over the party.

Ye Xuanping, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, conveyed holiday greetings to those present, and briefed them on the country's development over the past 52 years.

China has set up a comprehensive national economic system, and realized the first two steps of its modernization strategy, he said. Meanwhile, the sectors of education, science and technology, culture, sports and health experienced considerable progress in the period.

Ye also briefed the guests on Beijing's success in its bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, China's entry into the World Trade Organization and the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong and Macao.

After returning to the motherland, the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions overcame the impact of the Asian financial crisis and the slump in the world economy.

The Hong Kong and Macao administrative regions have maintained rapid economic development and social stability, he pointed out, adding that he believes that the future of Hong Kong and Macao will be even more prosperous under the leadership of the regional governments and the efforts of all the compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao.

China is carrying out its Tenth Five-Year Plan (2001-2005), and is about to enter a new stage of socialist modernization construction, the official said. So, he stressed, it is absolutely necessary to follow the "Three Represent's" concept while strengthening economic power and promoting modernization.

Ye pointed out that it is the common aspiration of all the Chinese people, including the Taiwan and overseas Chinese compatriots, to resolve the Taiwan issue and realize the complete reunification of the motherland as soon as possible.

"We will continue to carry out the policy of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems' and the eight-point proposal for early reunification of the motherland," he said, emphasizing that the motherland's early reunification is inevitable.

Among those who were present at the reception were Qian Qichen, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice-premier, vice-chairpersons of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Wang Guangying, Cheng Siyuan, He Luli, Ding Shisun, Cheng Siwei and Xu Jialu, and vice-chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, Qian Weichang, Sun Fuling, Wan Guoquan, Jing Shuping, Luo Haocai, Zhang Kehui and Wang Wenyuan.

The reception was hosted by the General Office of the CPPCC National Committee and the United Front Work Department.

(People's Daily 09/29/2001)