On October 18, 2017, the 19th National Congress of the CPC opened in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The theme of the congress was: Remain true to the Party's original aspiration and keep its mission firmly in mind, hold high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, and work tirelessly to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
It was a meeting of great importance, taking place during the decisive stage in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and at a critical moment as socialism with Chinese characteristics had entered a new era. It had the mission of making plans for completing the building of a society of moderate prosperity and promoting socialist modernization. It was of great significance to the continuation of the Party and state, the future of Chinese socialism, and the fundamental interests of the Chinese people.
On behalf of the Party's 18th Central Committee, Xi Jinping delivered a report to the 19th National Congress, entitled "Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." The report pointed out that socialism with Chinese characteristics had entered a new era, and the principal problem now facing Chinese society is unbalanced and inadequate development in the context of the people's growing desire for a better life. The report made strategic plans for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society and embarking on the journey to build a modern socialist China.
The period between the 19th and the 20th CPC national congresses is the period in which the timeframes of the Two Centenary Goals converge. In this period, the CPC must finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve the first centenary goal, and it must also build on this achievement to embark on a new journey toward the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country.
Based on a comprehensive analysis of the domestic situation and the international environment, and the conditions for China's development, the CPC has drawn up a two-stage development plan for the period from 2020 to the middle of the 21st century.
In the first stage from 2020 to 2035, it will build on the foundations created by the moderately prosperous society, with a further 15 years of hard work to see that socialist modernization is basically realized.
In the second stage from 2035 to the middle of the 21st century, having achieved basic modernization, the CPC will work hard for a further 15 years and develop China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful.
By the end of this stage, the following goals will have been met:
•New heights have been reached in every dimension of material, political, cultural and ethical, social, and eco-environmental progress;
•China's system and capacity for governance have been modernized;
•China has become a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence;
•Basic common prosperity for everyone has been realized;
•The Chinese people enjoy happier, safer, and healthier lives; and
•The Chinese nation will become a proud and active member of the community of nations.
