People watching China closely in whatever mentality don't have to bother guessing at the reshuffle of the top leadership, for it is almost certain that the CPC's position on reform and opening up, economic construction and improving socialist democracy and the rule of law will be all the more steadfast after this week.

In fact, to "come up with new ideas for development, make new breakthroughs in reform, break new ground in opening up" has become the heart-felt aspiration of not only the 2,100-strong delegates attending the 16th CPC National Congress, but also that of the 66 million Party members and the 1.3 billion Chinese people. Development, reform and opening up are now an irreversible trend in the world's most populous country.

In the past two decades, the Party has managed to keep 1.3 billion Chinese well-fed and clothed, ensuring a comfortable life for them as a whole. Now, the on-going Party congress will review its work in the last five years and reflect on its governing experience since the Fourth Plenum of the 13th CPC National Congress. More importantly, it will mete out a series of strategic decisions in the face of the changing situation in the new century by pooling the wisdom of the whole Party and people.

The blueprint is actually already in shape. In the first ten years of the 21st century, the country's economic volume, national strength and people's living standard are geared to be up another step. By the year 2020, China's gross domestic product is set to quadruple the 2000 figure to usher in a much perfect socialist market economic system and a more open economic mechanism that allow its people a much wealthier life.

To accomplish this, the key lies in the Party. The 16th Party congress will make strategic deployment on self-improvement in the new century in light of running the Party strictly with improved competence and governance in a bid to increase its resistance to corruption and other risks.

What's more important is that the national congress which holds high the banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory and acts fully on the important thought of Three Represents, will surely spark a new round of ideological emancipation, enhancing unified thinking among the Party and people, while forcefully speeding up China's reform and opening up process. And the new CPC leadership to be elected will be a powerful guarantee in leading forward this grand cause.

The CPC has placed development as its top priority for its rule, which echoes the wish of every ordinary Chinese. Terms such as "emancipating the mind", "seeking truth from facts", "keeping pace with the times", and "innovation" are no longer slogans, but guidance for people in the new century.

No doubt, it's more than appropriate to regard the congress as a new chapter in the new century.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2002)