Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday pledged to promote reforms and opening up and to facilitate a sustained and healthy development of national economy.
Wen made the remark in his address to more than 1,000 celebrities at a reception in the Great Hall of the People on the eve of the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
He called on the whole nation to unite under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), heightening the CPC's leading role in China's opening up and reforms and in the great changes that have happened in China.
History has eloquently proved that socialism with Chinese characteristics and the road that Chinese people have chosen are the only right way, Wen said.
He said more efforts should be made jointly with Hong Kong and Macao compatriots to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao and with Taiwan compatriots to achieve the China's peaceful reunification.
General Secretary of CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Hu Jintao was present at the reception.
Among the those who were present at the reception included members of the Standing Committee of the political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng and Li Changchun and other party and government leaders.
(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2005)
