Grandson shines in reflected glory of Mao

BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- He likes watching TV with his family, especially programs about the history of the Communist Party of China, once led by his grandfather. And when he goes to karaoke bars with friends, the corpulent dark-skinned chap only sings tribute songs to late Chairman Mao Zedong.

"Unlike other people, I feel that I have a special historical responsibility and mission," said 38-year-old Mao Xinyu, member of the 11th National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who is better known as Mao's grandson.

Although more than 30 years have passed since his death, Chairman Mao, whose name and works frequently appear in Chinese textbooks, is still an icon to many people, young and old.

Xinyu's father, Mao Anqing, the second son of Chairman Mao, succumbed on March 23, 2007. His mother, Shao Hua, was a photojournalist.

Having grown up as a "descendant of the giant," Xinyu said he was already "a seasoned soldier in the battlefield."

"There are pressures and everyone pins high expectations on you," he said.

While studying at Renmin University of China, he had visitors almost every day asking about his family. In public, he was often recognized by strangers who would ask for his autograph or request that he pose in a group photo.

Insisting on wearing his army uniform in front of the media, the normally quiet Xinyu becomes talkative and emotional at the mention of his grandpa.

His most unforgettable memory dates from 1996, when Xinyu and his mother took part in a commemoration in Huining in northwestern Gansu Province, a revolutionary base where three fronts of the Red Army joined forces after the Long March.

"Tens of thousands of people from that impoverished county came out voluntarily, flanking the roads with some holding the portrait of my grandpa and shouting 'long live Chairman Mao'," Xinyu recalled, his voice raised in excitement. As his jeep passed, several local people ran with it. "I was really touched by their deep feelings toward the late Chairman," he said.