In the report entitled "Build a well-off society in an all-round way and create a new situation in building socialism with Chinese characteristics", Jiang defined the theme of the congress as "to hold high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, fully act on the important thought of Three Represents, carry forward our cause into the future, keep pace with the times, build a well-off society in an all-round way, speed up socialist modernization and work hard to create a new situation in building socialism with Chinese characteristics".

The ongoing meeting is the first of its kind held by the Party in the new century, Jiang said, stressing that it is a very important one convened by the Party in the new situation in which the country has begun to take the third step of the strategic plan for socialist modernization.

Jiang said that China has started a new phase of development for building a well-off society in an all-round way and speeding up socialist modernization, and that the international situation is undergoing profound changes. "Given this pressing situation, we must move forward, or we will fall behind," he said.

Jiang called on the Party to stand firm in the forefront of the times and unite with and lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in accomplishing the three major historical tasks: to propel the modernization drive, to achieve national reunification and to safeguard world peace and promote common development, and in bringing about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on its road to socialism with Chinese characteristics.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2002)