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hina’s ruling party has introduced a new approach on socialism, which it believes will help the country to reach its goals and dreams in the so-called new era following what it calls the great success of the past five years in the face of many challenges.

The general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping, said the country was close to a decisive victory building a moderately prosperous society with the help of a socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Speaking at the opening of the 19th National Congress of CPC in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi introduced the Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, with its 14-point explanation, as part of his report on behalf of the 18th Central Committee (CC) of the CPC. Xi, who is also Chinese president, said party leadership must be ensured over all work, while at the same time the party must commit to a people-centered approach and continue comprehensive reforms.

While only socialism can save China, Xi said in his three-and-a-half-hour speech, political reform and opening were also important.

He said China must adopt a new vision for development to solve all of the country’s problems through innovative, coordinated, green and open methods. Xi urged party members to consolidate and develop the public sector while at the same time encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector.

“We must actively participate in and promote economic globalization, develop an open economy of higher standards and continue to increase China’s economic power and composite strength.”

A two-stage development plan has been drawn up for the years between 2020 and the middle of the century, Xi said.

The first stage was from 2020 to 2035, during which China would build on the foundation created by the moderately prosperous society, he said. The second stage from 2035 to 2050 would be the time when socialist modernization was realized, with China becoming a great modern socialist country, according to Xi’s plan.

He said that since the people run the country, every dimension of governance was law-based and that more needed to be done to uphold core socialist values.

Xi also placed great importance on the well-being of the people by ensuring and improving their living standards, while at the same time maintaining harmony between humans and nature.

“Building an ecological civilization is vital to sustain the Chinese nation’s development. We must realize that clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets […] and cherish the environment as we cherish our own lives.”

Xi, who became the party’s general secretary on Nov. 15, 2012, said national security was about being “ready to protect [people] from potential dangers in time of peace” and he emphasized the party’s absolute authority over the armed forces.

“Maintaining lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao and achieving China’s full reunification are essential to realizing national rejuvenation,” Xi said, adding that China would uphold the “one country, two systems” principle while promoting reunification. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and does not rule out military action to take control of it.

Lastly, Xi said the party should impose strict discipline and strengthen internal oversight to fight corruption. The 14 points are expected to be discussed by the congress delegates and included in the party’s amended constitution. Xi said China was also committed to building a strong and modern military to answer the challenges of the new era.

“We must fully implement the party’s thinking on strengthening the military for the new era, adapt military strategy to new conditions, build a powerful and modernized army, navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force,” said Xi.