Editing Hu Yaobang (section)

===Official rehabilitation===
[[File:Hu Yaobang's Former Residence 041.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Hu's Statue in his hometown [[Liuyang]]]]
[[Hu Jintao]] announced plans to rehabilitate Hu Yaobang in August 2005, with events organised for 20 November, the 90th anniversary of Hu's birth. Ceremonies were planned in Beijing, where Hu died, in Hunan, where Hu was born, and in [[Jiujiang]], where Hu was buried. Western observers noted that the move to rehabilitate Hu Yaobang may have been part of a broader political effort by Hu Jintao to gain support from reform-minded colleagues, who had always respected Hu Yaobang.<ref name="Pan" />

Some political analysts have argued that Hu Jintao's administration wished to be associated with Hu Yaobang. Both Hu's (no relation) rose to power through the [[Communist Youth League of China|Communist Youth League]], and have been described as part of the same [[Tuanpai|"Youth League Clique"]]. Hu Yaobang's support was partially responsible for Hu Jintao's rapid promotion during the 1980s.<ref>Nathan & Gilley 80</ref>

Some observers noted that Hu Yaobang's rehabilitation made it more likely that the Party would be willing to re-evaluate the 1989 Tiananmen protests, but other observers expressed skepticism. Memorials with the purpose of recognizing the date of someone's birth or death are often signs of political trends within China, with some pointing to the prospect of further reform. Skeptics noted that Hu Jintao made a statement praising the governments of [[Cuba]] and [[North Korea]] (in spite of their economic "flaws") shortly after announcing Hu Yaobang's public commemoration, implying that it would be unlikely that the party would pursue a dramatic programme of political reform in the near future.<ref name="Pan" />

On 18 November 2005, the Communist Party officially celebrated the 90th anniversary of Hu Yaobang's birth with activities at the People's Hall (the date was changed to two days before it was officially scheduled). Around 350 people attended, including premier [[Wen Jiabao]], [[Vice President of the People's Republic of China|vice president]] [[Zeng Qinghong]], and numerous other Party officials, celebrities, and members of Hu Yaobang's family.<ref name="Xinhua">''[[Xinhua]]''</ref> It was rumored that Hu Jintao wanted to attend, but was prevented from doing so by other senior members of the Party who still disliked Hu Yaobang. Wen was not given the opportunity to talk, and Zeng Qinghong was the most senior Party member to speak.<ref name="Wu" /> In his speech, Zeng said that members should learn from Hu's merits, especially his frankness and genuine concern for the Chinese people. Zeng stated that Hu had "contributed all his life and built immortal merits for the liberation and happiness of the Chinese people&nbsp;... His historic achievements and moral character will always be remembered by the Party and our people."<ref name="Xinhua" />