A stone monument carved with the testament to the enduring commitment of diverse ethnic groups to national unity is seen in this picture taken in Pu'er, Yunnan province, July 17, 2019. [Photo/VCG]

In the serene Ethnic Unity Garden in Pu'er, Yunnan province, a stone monument stands testament to the enduring commitment of diverse ethnic groups to national unity — a promise first made over 70 years ago that continues to inspire generations even today.

Erected in 1951, the monument was born at a pivotal moment in Chinese history when representatives from various ethnic communities gathered to pledge their solidarity under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

Today, the descendants of those representatives are renewing their commitment to carry forward their ancestors' legacy, encouraged by a recent reply letter from President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

Li Zhapi, Party secretary of Mengnuo village, could not suppress his excitement at receiving Xi's reply message, emphasizing the importance of community and national unity in fostering a prosperous future.

Li was among the eight descendants who wrote to the president to update him on the lives of local ethnic communities and stress their commitment to upholding the pledge made by their ancestors to follow the Party and contribute to the ethnic unity and prosperity of the border areas.

In his reply, Xi said people of all ethnic groups should forge a sense of community for the Chinese nation, jointly safeguard the nation's territory and build a better homeland for greater ethnic unity and progress.

Li's great-grandfather from the Lahu ethnic group was among the 48 representatives who participated in an oath-taking rally that led to the monument being erected in 1951 and on which they signed their names, pledging to stay united under the leadership of the CPC and strive for building an equal, free and prosperous society.

Now, more than seven decades later, Li proudly pointed out the transformative impact of the Party's policies on his community.

"From thatched huts to multistory buildings and mud roads to cement pathways, our village has witnessed remarkable change," he noted.

The village's economy also flourished, with per capita annual income touching 17,000 yuan ($2,423) in 2023, fueled by local industries like sugar cane and tea.

"Receiving the reply letter is the proudest moment of my life," said 82-year-old Su Guowen, who was wearing the traditional attire of the Blang ethnic group.

Su expressed his gratitude for the care shown by the Party and Xi toward the people of all ethnic groups in the border areas."There is an old saying in the Blang ethnic group: 'A single wing cannot fly, a lone leg cannot run, and brothers and sisters must be united.' In the new era, we will keep in mind Xi's instructions to jointly safeguard the motherland's territory and build a beautiful homeland."

Dao Jinyu, while in front of the monument, said, "We have a common identity and a common responsibility. Together, we will pass on the tale of national unity from generation to generation."

Dao's father, who in 1950 attended the celebrations marking the first anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China as a representative of the Dai ethnic group and was gifted a woolen coat by Chairman Mao Zedong, devoted his life to the cause of national unity and progress until his death in 2022.

"After his death, I donated 13 memorabilia items including the woolen coat to the local museum to allow more people to understand the stories of our ancestors," Dao said.