A symposium was held in Beijing on April 26 to mark the 140th anniversary of the birth of Ma Xulun, founding chairman of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD). 

Cai Dafeng, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, addressed the meeting, which was chaired by Zhu Yongxin, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee.

Ma, born on April 27, 1885, in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, was a renowned educator, political activist, linguist, poet and calligrapher. He served as the vice-chairman of the 4th CPPCC National Committee. Other positions he held during his lifetime included member of the Central People's Government, member of the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government, and deputy head of the Cultural and Educational Committee of the Government Administration Council. He was also the first minister of education and higher education of the People's Republic of China.

In his address, Cai said that this year marks 80 years since the founding of the CAPD and the working theme of the year is on the CAPD's history. Commemorating Ma and recalling his remarkable achievements and noble character is of great practical significance, he added. Cai also stressed the need to inherit and promote the fine traditions of the CAPD, forge ahead with one heart and one mind with the Communist Party of China (CPC), and become a good advisor, assistant, and colleague to the CPC.

Cai called on CAPD members to learn from previous leaders and devote themselves to the building of a strong nation and national rejuvenation. The CAPD should focus on the central tasks of the CPC and the State, and the overall interests of the country, and continuously improve the ability to offer advice and serve society, while showcasing the party's distinctive advantages, in a bid to contribute wisdom and strength to the overall development of the country, he noted.

He also urged CAPD members to strengthen self-development by following the noble conduct of leaders of past generations and carrying out education campaigns so as to make practical contributions to the celebration of the CAPD's 80th anniversary and strive for greater achievements in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.