‘Incomparable glory’ awaits China on world stage, Xi Jinping tells party congress
- By 2049, when the People’s Republic will hold centennial celebrations, China should become a leading power in all aspects, Xi tells delegates
- Shorter report speech seen as a nod to frail party elders as well as a sign of increased centralisation of power in hands of leader
Flanked by party leaders past and future, President Xi Jinping on Sunday took centre stage to present his grand vision for China, promising “incomparable glory” to restore the country to the forefront of global powers.
The speech marked the beginning of a weeklong session ending on October 22, when a new Central Committee to head the 97 million party members will be formed and ratified.
The following day, the committee will vote to confirm the line-up of a new 25-member Politburo and seven-member Politburo Standing Committee – the highest decision-making body in Chinese politics.
While Xi is set to get a convention-breaking third term as party leader, he will reshuffle many key positions and put together a new supporting cast for the next five years and beyond.
His work report, which took months to prepare, gives the president an opportunity to review past challenges and achievements and lay out his grand vision and goals for the nation.