Book on late reform-pioneering CPC official released

A biographical book about Hu Yaobang, former general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has recently been released in Beijing after passing an official review.

Hu, elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in February 1980, died on April 15, 1989 and is hailed for pushing for reform and democracy.

The book, written by a senior writer from Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, was published by the People's Daily Press and is based on hundreds of interviews, according to the Changsha Evening News.

The book tells Hu's life story, from childhood and his route to becoming a government official before his reform in later life.

Chen Liming, the author, has spent over 20 years on writing the book. He learnt a lot of new information on Hu from his interviewees, the newspaper reported.

Hu Xingdou, a political science professor with the Beijing Institute of Technology, told the Global Times that Hu Yaobang is a positive figure because of his support for reform.

This is not the first book on Hu's life. Hu's son, Hu Deping, has published some books about his father and China's reform.

Qi Guanghua, professor of public administration and policy at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that because Hu Yaobang was a leader of that reform then the publishing of the book demonstrates the government values reform on some level.

According to an April report on chinanews.com, Hu Deping said at a forum that the government needs to be determined and have a bold vision when reforming.

"If a government starts reform and doesn't follow through, it's irresponsible," he said. "Even if you can't see the immediate benefits, after you get through the obstacles, the victory will be that of the people."

Hu Xingdou thinks the government will continue on the road and the publishing of the book demonstrates its determination to continue reforming.

"China needs the spirit Hu Yaobang encouraged, a spirit of freeing the mind and daring to reform. That's exactly the kind of spirit the government encourages," he said.