President Zardari visits memorial of first National Congress of CPC in Shanghai

Shanghai (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday paid a visit to the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai, accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The memorial, located in the historic French Concession of Shanghai, preserves the site where the CPC convened its founding congress in July 1921.

The president explored the original shikumen-style structure along with the adjoining exhibition hall that displays historical relics and significant documents.

It was at this very site, 104 years ago, that the first congress of the Communist Party of China was held, attended by 13 delegates including Chairman Mao Zedong.

The congress marked the Party’s inception, which later went on to secure independence for China, pull the nation out of poverty, and lead it toward becoming a major economic, military, and technological power.

In the visitors’ book, President Zardari noted that it was a privilege to visit the birthplace of the Communist Party of China. He extended the respect of the people of Pakistan for China’s extraordinary development and acknowledged the role of President Xi Jinping’s leadership in strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

He remarked that this all-weather relationship has grown steadily and will continue to expand in the future.

The president also commended the preservation of the memorial, describing it as a place that offers valuable insight into the early struggles that laid the foundation of modern China. Recognised as a national cultural heritage site, the memorial stands today as one of Shanghai’s significant historical landmarks.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh ministers including Sharjeel Memon and Syed Nasir Shah, China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi were also present on the occasion.