China’s communist party opens 18th National Congress

The Communist Party of China (CPC) opened on Thursday its 18th National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing to set the tone for the future for the Party and the country over the coming five years. Jiang Zemin, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang were present at the opening ceremony of the congress, along with about 2,300 delegates and specially invited delegates, (Xinhua) news agency reported. The theme of the congress is to “hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool our strength, overcome all difficulties, firmly march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.”