Xi hails great future for Chinese nation

BEIJING - Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China's socialist system demonstrates great strength and vitality, and the Chinese people and the Chinese nation embrace brilliant prospects.

"Our Party shows strong, firm and vibrant leadership," Xi said at the closing session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"Living in such a great era, we are all the more confident and proud, and also feel the heavy weight of responsibility upon us," Xi told more than 2,300 delegates and specially invited delegates to the congress which opened on Oct. 18.

It has been 96 years since the CPC was founded, 68 years since the People's Republic of China was established, and 39 years since reform and opening up began.

The CPC has united and led the Chinese people and the Chinese nation in ending "once and for all" the miserable plight of old China, which had been bullied by foreign aggressors following the Opium War of 1840, and in walking completely out of poverty and weakness, Xi said.

He described the congress as one of "remaining true to our original aspiration and our mission, holding high our banner, and forging ahead in solidarity."

The congress approved a report of the 18th CPC Central Committee and a work report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The congress adopted the revised Party Constitution which made Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a new component of the Party's guide for action.

The congress also elected a new Central Committee and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Xi called on delegates to the congress to study, observe, apply and uphold the Party Constitution, and closely follow the CPC Central Committee in thinking, political orientation and actions.

"In our Party, each and every one of us must always breathe the same breath as the people, share the same future, and stay truly connected to them," he said. "The aspirations of the people to live a better life must always be the focus of our efforts."

"We must keep on striving with endless energy toward the great goal of national rejuvenation," he said.