Xi stresses upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics to build modern socialist country

Speaking of China's success in pursuing and expanding a Chinese path to modernization, Xi said that there is no set form of modernization or one-size-fits-all modernization standards in the world.

The modernization China is pursuing is the socialist modernization led by the CPC, Xi noted.

We must rely on our own efforts to drive China's development, and make sure the future of China's development and progress remains firmly in our own hands, he said.

The 20th CPC National Congress will offer a panoramic prospect of the two-stage strategic plan for China's drive to build a great modern socialist country in all respects, and will in particular lay out plans for the strategic missions and major measures in the next five years, Xi said.

Noting that the next five years are a crucial period for starting the building of a modern socialist country in all respects, Xi said sound development in the five years will be of vital importance to achieving China's second centenary goal.

Xi called for efforts to focus on tackling unbalanced and inadequate development, and work on new ideas and measures to address problems.

Xi stressed ceaselessly exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party, warning against any slackness or weariness.

By engaging in great self-transformation, the Party can steer great social transformation, he said.

Xi called on all CPC members to remain committed to the Party's fundamental purpose of wholeheartedly serving the people, and do everything for the people while relying on the people in everything they do.

All Party members should always maintain close ties with the people, and accept the criticism and oversight of the people, he added.

While presiding over the opening ceremony of the study session, Li Keqiang said senior officials should thoroughly study Xi's important speech, follow its guiding principles both in thinking and action, promote reform, development and stability in their respective regions and departments, and set the stage for the Party's 20th National Congress with concrete action.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Wang Huning urged the participants to resolutely uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, further grasp and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and continue to improve their capacity for political judgment, thinking and implementation.