A photo exhibition describing the life of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, sponsored by the Chinese permanent mission to the United Nations, opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

Addressing an opening ceremony, acting permanent representative of the Chinese mission to the UN Zhang Yishan said Deng made immeasurable contribution to the liberation, construction and modernization of China. As the chief architect of China's reform and opening-up, Deng was at the helm of China's grand modernization program and led the Chinese people in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"He will be loved, cherished and remembered forever by the Chinese people," Zhang said.

On Deng's contribution to world peace, Zhang said Deng Xiaoping maintained that China should proceed from its national strategic interest and surpass differences in social systems and ideology and develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries in the world on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Under his great concept of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong and Macao returned to China smoothly in 1997 and 1999, he noted.

Zhang said that Deng was also the first Chinese leader to stand on the rostrum of the United Nations as head of the Chinese delegation to the special session of the General Assembly in 1974.

Deng is indeed one of the most outstanding statesmen and diplomats in the 20th century, he added.

Attending the opening ceremony were some 150 UN officials, permanent representatives and senior diplomats from dozens of countries.

Shashi Tharoor, UN Under-Secretary for Communications and Public Information, said, "It has been almost 30 years since Deng Xiaoping first came to the UN in New York as the head of the Chinese delegation to make the famous statement here. We have seen the transformation of China in recent years, a transformation that in many ways has been the direct result of policies initiated by Deng Xiaoping."

"The presence of various diplomats and staff members of the United Nations here this evening is a reflection of their respect and admiration for China, for Deng Xiaoping, and indeed for China that he made," he added.

The photo exhibition includes more than 40 photos reflecting various stages in Deng's life. It offers a glimpse into the noble character and great achievement of the late Chinese leader. The exhibition will last until Aug. 27.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2004)