Feb 20—25,2000: The Thought of Three Represents is put forward

Feb 20, 1936: China battles Japanese forces

In the name of the Chinese People’s Red Army and anti-Japanese vanguard troops and under the leadership of Mao Zedong and Peng Dehuai, the first Red Army crossed the Yellow River from the east of Qingjian in northern Shanxi and launched the Battle of the Eastern Campaign. However, the army was intercepted by Yan Xishan’s troops. The Red Army fought bravely and achieved great victories. Later on, Chiang Kai-shek attempted to reinforce Yan Xishan against the Red Army. The Red Army called on Chiang Kai-shek to unite against the Japanese forces.

Feb 20, 1982: The CPC Central Committee establishes the veteran retirement system

The decision issued by the CPC Central Committee said that establishing a retirement system for veteran cadres was a major strategic decision related to the prosperity of the Party, the long-term stability of the state and the smooth realization of socialist modernization.

Feb 20—25, 2000: The Thought of Three Represents is put forward

From Feb 20 to Feb 25, 2000, Jiang Zemin first introduced The Thought of Three Represents while on an inspection tour in Guangdong. He stressed that the key of doing a good job in China depended on the party's ideology, style, organization, discipline, combat effectiveness and leadership. The Party should represent the developmental needs of China's advanced production capacity, the progressive direction of China's advanced culture, and the fundamental interests of the broad majority to win the support of the people.