Xi Jinping delivers a report to the 19th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct 18, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China opened Wednesday as socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a "new era."

On behalf of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, Xi Jinping delivered a report titled "Secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era."

Here are the highlights of the report:

New era with new thought

- Socialism with Chinese characteristics enters new era

It will be an era of securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and of moving on to all-out efforts to build a great modern socialist country, Xi said.

It will also be an era that sees China moving closer to center stage and making greater contributions to mankind, he said.

- CPC rolls out Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

The CPC has given shape to the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, a long-term guide to action that the Party must adhere to and develop.

The thought "builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development," Xi said. "It represents the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context."

Xi defined components of the thought, calling it a "guide to action" that must be adhered to and steadily developed on a long-term basis for all Party members and all Chinese people in their efforts to achieve national rejuvenation.

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- Principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved in new era

"What we now face is the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life," Xi said.

The evolution of the principal contradiction represents a "historic shift that affects the whole landscape and that creates many new demands for the work of the Party and the country," he said.

Previously the principal contradiction was described as one between "the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and backward social production."