Beijing, July 01: Striving to maintain its grip in the face of new challenges posed after China joined the WTO, President and ruling Communist Party supremo, Hu Jintao today asked cadres to "keep pace with times" and dedicate themselves to serve the people so that the party remains relevant in the 21st century. Emphasising the importance of "three represents" in governing China, Hu, who has completed 100 days in office, said the new thought in Marxism is well suited to China's requirements in the 21st century.
Speaking at a symposium to mark the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Hu said the essence of the "three represents" thought is that the CPC should dedicate itself to interests of the public and govern for the people's benefit.
Initiated by Hu's predecessor, Jiang Zemin, who is now chairman of the Central Military Commission, the "three represents" thought states that the CPC must always represent "the development trend of china's advanced productive forces, orientation of China's advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people".
Political analysts said the 82-year-old ruling party is determined to ensure that it does not succumb to criticisms after China joined the WTO in December 2001.
However, there was no mention of "inner party democracy" as expected by China watchers in Hu's speech, published by the official Xinhua news agency.
The new and younger Chinese leadership under Hu has been shifting away from Dogma. But Hu, still struggling to emerge from the shadow of his predecessor Jiang, is unlikely to flirt with western-style democracy in China any time soon, analysts say.
Bureau Report