A symposium marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of Lei Jieqiong, one of the founders of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD), was held in Beijing on Sept 12. 

Cai Dafeng, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, attended the symposium and delivered a speech. Zhu Yongxin, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and executive vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, presided over the gathering. 

Cai reviewed Lei's life and contributions, hailing her as a great patriot, a close friend of the Communist Party of China (CPC), one of the founders and outstanding leaders of the CAPD, and a renowned scholar, professor and social activist. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to China's revolution, reform and modernization, making significant contributions to the patriotic united front, multiparty cooperation, and the development of the CAPD, while also playing a vital role in education, culture, society, the rule of law and women's causes in the People's Republic of China, he said. 

Cai noted that the commemoration coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the CAPD. He called on the CAPD to uphold the political trust put in place by the older generation of leaders, remain a good advisor, assistant and colleague of the CPC, and carry forward its fine traditions. He also urged CAPD members to draw strength and inspiration from the lofty ideals and noble character of their predecessors, enhance their capacity as a party participating in the administration of State affairs and strengthen self-improvement. 

In addition, he called on CAPD members to present outstanding achievements to the party's 80th anniversary and make new and greater contributions to building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.