China's Central Military Commission held a symposium on December 16 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Nie Rongzhen (1899-1992), the late marshal and a founder of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and New China.

At the symposium, Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin spoke highly of Nie's great contributions to the Chinese people's liberation and socialist construction.

Jiang praised Nie for his unusual revolutionary courage and resourcefulness, calling him an outstanding military commander and prominent leader in PLA's political work.

Jiang said that Nie's rich military experience and understanding had contributed to the late Chairman Mao Zedong's military thinking.

Nie was also a prominent leader in the sector of science and technology for national defense, and made great contributions to the successful development of atom and hydrogen bombs, missiles and satellites in China, Jiang said.

Jiang spoke highly of Nie's integrity. He never cared for personal gain, Jiang said. All members of the Communist Party of China (CPC), especially senior officials should learn from Nie.

Vice-President Hu Jintao, who is also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, and senior government and military officials attended the symposium.