Deng Xiaoping Institute founded in southwest China

An institute on the study of Deng Xiaoping was opened in southwest China's Sichuan Province, where the late Chinese leader was born, on Wednesday.

The institute, affiliated to the Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), aims to be a thinktank, said Yang Xiannong, head of the Research Institute of Mao Zedong's Thought.

"Deng's wisdom and courage for reform and opening up should be learned," he said. "He changed not only the destiny of Chinese nation, but also the course of world history."

Yang noted that the institute was founded in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping's appeal to "build high-level thinktanks with global influence".

Research is to be focused on Deng's contribution to socialism with Chinese characteristics, his theories on reform and opening up as well as life story of the former leader, he said.

Preparation work of the institution started in September 2010.

Deng, known as chief architect of China's socialist reform, opening up and modernization, was born 110 years ago.

"Sichuan is Deng's hometown," said professor Li Houqiang, Party chief of the SASS. "We have the responsibility and basis to do such research."