Fang Yonggang, a "National Moral Model" and political professor at northeast China's Dalian Naval Academy, died in Beijing Tuesday, at the age of 45.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Fang Yonggang, a "National Moral Model" and political professor at northeast China's Dalian Naval Academy, died in Beijing Tuesday, at the age of 45.

    Fang, who had been treated in hospital for colon cancer since 2006, had been visited by a number of senior leaders, including HuJintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, state president and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), who praised him for his "significant contribution to the Party, the Army and the People."

    Hu urged all people in China to learn from Fang, who kept studying and publicizing his innovative political theories and displayed the firm faith, staunch will and lofty spirit of a Communist.

    Other visitors included Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, and Politburo members Liu Yunshan, Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou. Guo and Xu are also vice-chairmen of the CMC.

    In his last days, Fang received letters and gifts from servicemen and civilians.

    Fang was widely known for his firm political faith and strenuous efforts in studying and spreading the Party's theories. He spent much time lecturing in barracks, factories, villages, schools and communities.

    In June, 2007, the CMC granted Fang the title of "Loyal Model Teacher of the Party's Innovative Theories", and three months later, he was elected a "National Moral Modal".

    In October 2007, Fang attended the 17th National Congress of the CPC. In January 2008, he was elected one of the "People Who Touched China in 2007", organized by the China Central Television (CCTV).