By Li Hongmei
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao expressed deep condolences and paid high tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela, saying Chinese will always cherish Mandela's contributions to China-South Africa relations.
Speaking at the memorial service in the FNB stadium in Johannesburg, the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping said Mandela was the pride of the African people.
"For all his life, he had strived for the liberation of African nations, championed the dignity of the African people and endeavored to advance the unity of all African countries and move forward Africa's cooperation with the world," Li said.
He referred to Mandela as one of the founding fathers of China-South Africa relations.
US President Barack Obama urged the world to embrace Nelson Mandela's universal message of peace and justice in his speech at a memorial service in a South African stadium lashed by rain.
In a speech that received thunderous applause, Obama urged people to apply the lessons of Mandela, who emerged from 27 years in prison under a racist regime, embraced his enemies when he finally walked to freedom and promoted forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa.
"We, too, must act on behalf of justice. We, too, must act on behalf of peace," said Obama.
Obama pointed out that "around the world today, men and women are still imprisoned for their political beliefs; and are still persecuted for what they look like, or how they worship, or who they love."
In contrast to the wild applause given to Obama, South African President Jacob Zuma was booed. Many South Africans are unhappy with him because of state corruption scandals, though his ruling African National Congress, once led by Mandela, remains the front-runner ahead of elections next year.
Police were expecting a crushing crowd at the stadium and had set up overflow points with big-screen TVs, but foul weather and public transport problems kept many people away. The 95,000-capacity stadium was only two-thirds full.
Some of the dozens of trains reserved to ferry people to the stadium in Soweto, a township which revolted in 1976 against white rule, were delayed due to a power failure.
The mood in the stadium was celebratory and a dazzling mix of royalty, statesmen and celebrities was in attendance.
Nearly 100 heads of state and government attended the service. Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who succeeded Mandela, got a rousing cheer as he entered the stands.
French President Francois Hollande and his predecessor and rival Nicolas Sarkozy arrived together.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon waved and bowed to spectators who sang praise for Mandela, seen by many South Africans as the father of the nation.
