BEIJING, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- More than 33,000 Internet users in China have sent virtual flowers to an online memorial for leader Deng Xiaoping, who died 10 years ago Monday.
Deng, a government leader largely credited with a series of reforms in the country that led to the opening of its borders, died at the age of 92 on Feb. 19, 1997, Xinhua, China's official news agency, reported Monday.
The online tribute to Deng on Web site Sina.com includes a picture collection and interviews with the leader's grandchildren and offers users the option of placing virtual flowers at an online memorial.
Meanwhile, a portrait of Deng was placed in the provincial government square of Harbin City in Heilongjiang Province of northwest China Monday and residents of the town placed flowers near the picture in tribute to the leader.
Chinese government leaders, including officials in Hong Kong, praised Deng's contributions to policy Monday.
"Deng put forward the idea of 'one country, two systems' with great wisdom and courage," said Tsang Hin-chi, a deputy to the National People's Congress from Hong Kong. "I believe Hong Kong citizens will always remember his monumental contributions."
