17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China

The 17th National congress of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党第十七次全国代表大会) was held in Beijing between 15 to 21 October 2007. There were 2,213 delegates, 57 specially invited delegates, and 74 million party members throughout the country. A 371-member 17th CPC Central Committee, as well as a 127-member Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was elected.

Constitution changes

Scientific Outlook on Development as well as policies to boost democracy were enshrined in the constitution.

Scientific Outlook on Development

The Scientific Outlook on Development was enshrined in the general program of the Party Constitution, which defines it as "a scientific theory that is in the same line as Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents".

The Outlook can also be traced in many specific chapters on economic, political, cultural and social development and Party building.

"To study and implement the Scientific Outlook on Development" becomes a major duty to the 73 million Party members and all the Party organizations, the constitution says.

Other changes

• The word "harmonious" is added to the Party's basic line. The revised version reads, "turn China into a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious modern socialist country".
• The amendment also enshrines the building of a "harmonious socialist society" into the general program the Party constitution.
• A new paragraph started with "The CPC leads the people in developing the socialist market economy" is added into the general program of the Party constitution.
• "The Party strives to fully implement its basic principle for work related to religious affairs, and rally religious believers in making contributions to economic and social development" is for the first time included in the Party constitution.

The report

The report was given by Hu Jintao and covered the following topics:

1. The work done since the last congress
2. Reform and opening Up
3. Scientific outlook on development theory
4. Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects
5. National economy
6. Socialist democracy
7. Socialist culture
8. Social Development
9. National defense and the army
10. "One Country, Two Systems"
11. Peaceful development

Election

Hu Jintao was reappointed General Secretary and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Wen Jiabao was reappointed Premier.

External Links

http://www.china.org.cn/english/congress/225438.htm:The official page of the 17th national congress