Hu Jintao, CPC general secretary and Chinese president at the opening ceremony of the 18th CPC National Congress in Beijing (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

(VOVworld) - The 18^th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party got underway on Thursday in Beijing with more than 2000 delegates, representing 80 million party members. The Congress will review the central executive committee’s performance, debate Party regulations, and elect a new executive committee. The Congress will review the last 5- year term and the progress the Party has made since the 16^th National Congress as well as update the party’s political style and policies. In his opening speech, General Secretary Hu Jintao called on every Party member and all the Chinese people to resolutely stick to the path to socialism, with a perspective Chinese and strive to build a moderately prosperous society in every respect. He said that as the Chinese Communist Party faces both new development opportunities and challenges, it should continue to develop scientifically, ensuring a harmonized society, and improving people’s lives. Hu said that China needs to continue reforming its political structure, improve its ability to govern, combat corruption, resolve ethnic affairs, and create a social welfare system that includes both the rural and urban populations. Hu also stated that China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and firmly pursue peaceful and independent foreign policy.