The Islamic Association of China (IAC) held a conference Wednesday in Beijing to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu encouraged the IAC to better exercise patriotism, and contributes more to China's stability and economic and social development.

Speaking to the conference on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, Hui said the IAC performed well its role of linking Muslims with the CPC and the government. It has made great contributions to China's reunification and social stability, said Hui.

Hui called for Muslims, who have a fine tradition of patriotism, to contribute more to the country's prosperity.

The IAC should further explain and develop the active side of the Islamic religion and culture to better adjust to society, said Hui.

Jia Qinglin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference and met with all the representatives. Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, expressed his congratulations to the conference on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

Imam Chen Guangyuan, president of the IAC, delivered a speech on China's Islam to the conference.

The Islamic religion entered China over 1,300 years ago, and now boasts 20.3 million Chinese members.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2003)