A symposium marking the 100th anniversary of Kaiming Bookstore and focusing on carrying forward its publishing legacy in the new era was held in Beijing on Aug 21.

Cai Dafeng, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD), attended the event 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, also attended the event.

Cai reviewed Kaiming Bookstore's history and publishing legacy. He said the bookstore's publishers upheld high ideals and fine traditions and produced a wide range of influential textbooks, language reference books, literary works and classics, making significant contributions to the development of modern publishing in China and earning widespread recognition.

Many pioneers of the CAPD were key figures at Kaiming Bookstore, where they helped shape the distinctive characteristics of the organization, according to Cai. Since its founding, the CAPD has carried forward the Kaiming spirit and developed the Kaiming brand, Cai said, adding that it has established Kaiming Press and the Kaiming Charity Foundation, and launched initiatives including the Kaiming Publishing Media Shanghai Forum, Kaiming Culture Forum, Kaiming Painting Academies, and Kaiming lectures, contributing to China's cultural and publishing sectors.

Cai said the centennial commemoration was intended to inspire the CAPD to remain true to its original aspiration and mission, carry forward the Kaiming spirit and fine traditions, strengthen its own development, leverage its strengths, and better fulfill its responsibilities. He called for greater contributions to building China into a country with a strong socialist culture and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Wang Gang, vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, attended the event. Wu Shulin, president of the Publishers Association of China, and Hao Zhensheng, president of the Chinese Society of Editors, delivered remarks. More than 50 people, including family members of Kaiming Bookstore's founders, experts, scholars, and publishing industry representatives, took part in the discussions.