China’s New Era Under Xi Jinping | Generated by AI
The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was a landmark political event held in Beijing from October 18-24, 2017. As one of the most important gatherings in Chinese politics, it brought together approximately 2,300 delegates representing the Party’s over 89 million members at the time.
Historical Significance
This Congress marked a crucial juncture in China’s political development, occurring at what officials described as a “decisive stage” in completing the building of a moderately prosperous society and at a “critical period” for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. The event set the course for China’s development through 2022 and beyond, with implications extending to the mid-21st century.
Key Outcomes
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was formally enshrined in the Party Constitution, elevating Xi Jinping’s ideological status to a level comparable with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. This represented a significant consolidation of Xi’s political authority.
The Congress introduced a new two-stage development strategy for the period from 2020 to mid-century: first, basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, then building China into a “great modern socialist country” by 2050.
The Congress also elected a new Central Committee, which subsequently selected the Politburo and its Standing Committee. Notably, no clear successor to Xi Jinping emerged, breaking with previous succession planning patterns.
Major Themes
The Congress emphasized comprehensive deepening of reform, continuing the fight against corruption, poverty alleviation, environmental protection (“beautiful China”), technological innovation, and strengthening Party leadership across all aspects of governance.
This gathering fundamentally shaped China’s trajectory into what officials termed the “New Era” of Chinese socialism.