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secretary of the 18th Communist Party of China National Congress during the party’s preparatory meeting.
As new leader of the CPC, Vice President Xi is widely tipped to succeed President Hu in March next year.
China changes its leadership after every 10 years.
The full line-up of the new leadership would be announced at the end of the congress next week.
Meanwhile, Chinese president Hu Jintao yesterday opened the seven-day 18th National Congress of the CPC with a call for nation states to respect each other’s sovereignty.
President Hu, who is also the outgoing CPC general-secretary, said there was need for world peace.
He said countries should observe the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and accommodate the legitimate concerns of others when pursuing their own interests.
“On the other hand, the world is far from being peaceful,” he said.
“History teaches us that the law of the jungle will not lead to the co-existence of human society and that the arbitrary use of force cannot make the world a better place.
“Pursue peace, development and co-operation and oppose war, eliminate poverty and avoid confrontation in order to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity — this is what the people of all countries long for.”
President Hu said China would increase unity with other developing countries and work with them to uphold their legitimate rights and interests. He said countries should respect diversity of civilisations and development paths chosen by others.
President Hu said there was need to support “equality among all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor”.
“We should advance democracy in international relations, respect sovereignty, share security and uphold world peace and stability,” he said.
President Hu called for a new type of global development that is “more equitable and balanced”.
China, he said, would continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, co-operation and mutual benefit.
President Hu said China was committed to peaceful settlement of international disputes and opposed any foreign attempt to subvert the legitimate government of any other country.
“We are firm in our resolve to uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and will never yield to any outside pressure,” he said.
President Hu said China would continue on a development path guided by “socialism with Chinese characteristics”.
The Chinese economy developed steadily and rapidly under the guideline that has seen reforms in the country’s sectors, he said.
“The 18th National Congress is one of great importance being held when China has entered the decisive stage of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” said President Hu.
“At present, as the global, national and our party’s conditions continue to undergo profound changes, we are faced with unprecedented opportunities for development as well as risks and challenges unknown before.”
President Hu said structural barriers to the economic development of the country should be removed and that there was need to integrate urban and rural development. Democracy, he said, was improving in China.
“Since the policy of reform and opening up was introduced, we have reviewed our experience, both negative and positive, in developing socialist democracy and reaffirmed that people’s democracy is the life of socialism,” he said.
President Hu called for the Chinese to strengthen socialist morals and “integrate the rule of law with the rule of virtue”.
On combating corruption, President Hu said, “Corruption and promoting political integrity, which is a major political issue of great concern to the people, is a clear-cut and long-term political commitment of the party.
“If we fail to handle this issue well, it could prove fatal to the party, and even cause the collapse of the party and the fall of the state.”
Online Reporter