Chinese leaders Friday praised a Tibetan colonel who died dedicating himself to the unity of ethnic groups in southwest China's Tibetan region and the region's stability.

Chinese President Hu Jintao ordered a campaign to widely publicize the deeds of Gungchog Tseri, a former deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army Diqing Military Sub-Command in Yunnan Province, and to spread his spirit.

Diqing is a remote Tibetan autonomous prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Gungchog Tseri died of heart failure at the age of 54 on Feb. 5, 2009, as a result of habitual overwork on the plateau.

Among the heroic deeds cited, Gungchog Tseri spent four months visiting all 29 counties and towns in Diqing to hear locals' complaints, appeals and suggestions after the brutal Lhasa riot on March 14, 2008.

He fell ill after finishing his 46th speech advocating national unity and equality. He died in hospital half a year later.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called Gungchog Tseri "a good cadre of the Party, a good soldier of the army, and a good son of the Tibetan people."

He said Gungchog Tseri made outstanding contributions to the strengthening of ethnic unity.

Li called on the people to follow by Gungcho Tseri's example and cherish ethnic unity.

Li met Gungchog Tseri's family, friends and colleagues Friday when they spoke of Gungchog Tseri's deeds at a symposium held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

About 800 people attended the symposium, organized by four organizations including the State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments