Xi Jinping's tribute to father seen as a bid to shore up his position

Beijing yesterday marked the centenary of the birth of President Xi Jinping's father, revolutionary leader and party liberal Xi Zhongxun , with a commemoration at the Great Hall of the People.

While it is quite common for the government to stage events to celebrate the centenary of revolutionary leaders, activities marking the elder Xi's anniversary have more political meaning.

Analysts said the flurry of activities illustrated the president's need to consolidate power by reminding people of his family's connection with the formative years of the Communist Party ahead of the party's autumn plenary session, at which leaders are expected to lay down the reform blueprint of Xi's administration.

A solemn-looking Xi, acting in a non-official capacity, was shown by CCTV attending the event with his mother, Qi Xin, and wife, Peng Liyuan.

Xi Zhongxun, who died in 2002, was a leading political figure whose revolutionary pedigree dates to the 1930s when he helped build revolutionary bases in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

State media did not report whether the president made any remarks at the event, although state television's main newscast carried the news as its second item.