China Communist Party Closes Congress, Ushers in Major Changes

In its closing session, the Congress of the Communist Party of China has elected a new leadership and included Xi Jinping thought "regarding Chinese socialism for a new era,” in the party constitution, describing Jinping thought as “the rejuvenation of the great nation of China.”

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The congress stressed that this is a crucial moment in China’s socialist history that is moving into a period that will reflect a “modest and comfortable society within a modern country.”

Addressing the session, Jinping said he wants to create a “democratic, culturally advanced nation” without the “unequal and inadequate development” that can create a “better life for the continually growing” Chinese nation. He outlined 14 points to implement across the country over the next 30 years.

The president also included measures to control environmental pollution and corruption. Since the president took office five years ago he and the administration have cracked down significantly within the government. Notably in 2015, senior Chinese aviation authorities were arrested for taking bribes and misusing company funds. The party says that between January and July of this year 210,000 officials have been punished for corruption.

Jinping defended the move to reduce market earning thresholds since private investments among the Chinese represent 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Jinping is the Communist Party’s current Secretary General and the president of the People’s Republic of China.

In addition, a new ruling Central Committee was elected to serve for the next five years.

More than 2,300 party delegates participated in the nearly week-long congress of the party which has more than 89 million members.