BEIJING, Aug. 17 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Monday that late leader Jiang Zemin had made "indelible contributions" to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a grand gathering held at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the birth centenary of Jiang.

Jiang made indelible contributions to safeguarding the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, breaking new ground in reform and opening up in all respects, achieving overall moderate prosperity in people's lives and successfully advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century, Xi said.