A grand gathering was called yesterday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Central Research Institute of Chinese Culture and History.

"Over the past five decades, the institute has made remarkable achievements in reviving traditional Chinese heritage, promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries in the world, strengthening solidarity between overseas Chinese and their home country," said Wang Zhongyu, secretary-general of the State Council in a keynote speech at the gathering.

"The institute has also made an impressive contribution to the sacred cause of the reunification of our motherland," he added.

Also attending the celebratory gathering were Wang Zhaoguo, deputy chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, high-ranking officials from the State Council and more than 100 people including curators and researchers from the institute and its local branches in 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

Initiated by late Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai in 1949, and eventually incepted in Beijing in 1951, the institute has been a high-profile academic and consultative body directly under the State Council.

The director of the institute is usually appointed by the Chinese premier and its members enjoy lifetime honorary titles.

The 50th anniversary celebration runs until Saturday and features a series of activities including meetings, academic seminars and art exhibitions.

(China Daily October 24, 2001)