Vice-Premier Li Lanqing Commemorates Lao She 　　Vice-Premier Li Lanqing attended a seminar Febuary 3 and called on Chinese people to learn from late writer Lao She (1898-1966). 　　Speaking at a seminar to mark Lao's 100th birth anniversary, Li said people should learn from Lao's deep love for the nation and its people, as well as his deep devotion to literature. The vice- premier said the Chinese people should study and draw from the rich literary heritage left by the famed author. 　　"Learning from Lao She will be highly significant in our efforts to further invigorate culture and arts, and build a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics," said Li. 　　He praised Lao as "one of the highly prestigious trailblazers in China's new literature in the 20th century," Li noted. 　　He said that the immortal spirit and realistic works of the writer have in the past encouraged and will in the future encourage people to complete creative works during the monumental period marking the invigoration of the Chinese nation. 　　He noted that Lao's literary works are deeply rooted in the people. 　　"Most of his works were based on life and feelings of common people in Beijing, a familiar city which evoked the author's compassion. His pure, simple and expressive language came from the working class and shines with the glory of realism," according to Li. 　　"Lao lived up to his reputation as an 'artistic master of the people'," said Li. He also pointed out that people engaged in the arts and literature should learn from the strong national characteristics in Lao's works in order to maintain the socialist and national features of their own works, as well as to improve national moral and esteem, and to enrich human civilization with their outstanding achievements. 　　Li praised Lao as a great author, artist and patriot. 　　He stressed that the art and literary community should produce more and better works to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of New China. 　　"This will be the best way to commemorate Lao She," said Li, adding that "we will never forget him." HomeNews 1999-02-04 Page1 Full Story in Chinese