Jiang extended season's greetings while attending the theatrical performance celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival, which was organized by the CMC especially for the veterans in armed units stationed in Beijing. Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), was also present.

The veterans attending the gathering, who have made great contributions either to the liberation of new China or to building modern socialism and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), were all inspired by China's rapid progress last year.

They also expressed their determination to keep working hard and firmly implement the spirit of the 16th Party Congress in the future.

The program comprised colorful performances, including solos, humorous skits, dances and traditional Beijing opera.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2003)