Related report: Reform follows Hu Yaobang’s vision: experts

April 15, 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Hu Yaobang, former Party chief. Hu was highly regarded as "a long-tested and staunch communist warrior, a great proletarian revolutionist and statesman" after he passed away. A symposium was held in the Great Hall of the People in 2005 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Hu's birth, with key members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee attended.

For reasons known to all, Hu is rarely mentioned in the Chinese media. Remarks about him that frequently appear on the Internet are often swayed away from official line, given that some either intentionally quoted Hu out of context or reevaluated Hu based on their own values.

The CPC Central Committee has made official judgment on Hu twice from his death to 2005. The authoritative and mature commemoration judgment has stood the test of time. Some grass roots recalled and discussed Hu from their individual angles at different times and for varied reasons. We'd like to share our views against those personal comments.

The official judgment on Hu is well-defended. When commemorating the 90th anniversary of Hu's birth, the authorities praised his glorious life while circumventing the political controversy of his later years. It's right to do so. Hu has been written into the history of the nation and the Party as absolutely a positive spirit. Avoiding controversy shows not only respect for Hu but also a responsibility for the course of the Party and the country. This is also the case with judging other late Chinese leaders, one of the prerequisites to ensure Chinese society keeps moving forward.

Some combined Hu with current controversy in society, while others vent their anger through warping history. These are for the pursuit of their own interests rather than in real memory of Hu. In his revolutionary career of six decades, Hu served as the leader of the Party at a critical moment for reform and opening-up. He made a historical contribution to building the socialist path with Chinese characteristics. It's ridiculous that some on the Internet make use of his name to oppose the course to which Hu was devoted. It's an insult to Hu's glorious life. Those who oppose the leadership of the Party and who trumpet that China should copy the Western political model had better keep away from Hu's name.

The accomplishments of China today, which the leadership of Hu's generation once strived for, are a consolation to Hu. The exploration at the beginning of reform and opening-up paved the way for deepening the reforms in an all-round way. In front of piles of problems, as long as we stick to the right line, there is nothing that can trip up China.

The article is dedicated to Hu. We also wish the course to which Hu contributed will keep pace with the times and make greater achievements.