Drawing on people’s wisdom and opening to the world are two important legacies of Deng Xiaoping for China’s reform today, says an article in the Southern Metropolis Daily. Excerpts:

Some foreign reporters were impressed by the same styles and colors of the clothes all Chinese wore before 1978.

Deng Xiaoping always knocks the door of memory for most Chinese, when they recall how their attire changed after 1978.

Friday is the 110th anniversary of Deng’s birth. Deng is the architect of China’s reform. But he seldom regarded China’s development as his feat. He thought the reform and opening-up was born out of the collective wisdom of the Chinese people.

Deng also stressed China should always keep in touch with the world, not blindly believe all foreign countries are barbarian, and China must always be ready to learn from the developed countries.

Respecting people’s wisdom and opening up to the world are Deng’s two most important legacies, which he attributed to his deep love for the nation.

The current leaders of China should carry on Deng’s legacy by loving the people. They will certainly know why it is important to respect people’s wisdom and hold a global view to see China, because, as history proves, these two legacies have helped China solve many difficult problems confidently and realize its long-term fast growth.

The improvement of people’s livelihoods and China’s international status win the government and the Communist Party strong support and credibility at home and abroad.

That Xi Jinping called this year “the first year of reform” in an important meeting on reform last week indicates there are many challenges to take for the leaders of China today.

Some of the frictions and tensions are between the people and the vested interests.

As deepening reform has become a consensus of the people and the new leadership of China, Xi and his comrades should carry on with the anti-graft campaigns and reforms in the 60 key fields as they outlined last year.

Reviewing Deng’s legacy can consolidate the new leadership’s determination to deepen China’s reform, and the people’s trust with the government.

In this sense, Deng is a great man.