The meeting, chaired by Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, underlined that launching the new round of study and implementation of the "Three Represents" theory, a policy decision made at the 16th CPC National Congress held in November of 2002, is a major strategic move designed to advance the cause of the CPC in accordance with present-day requirements.

The theory has an impact on the overall work of the Communist Party and the country, the long-term development of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the significant reinvigoration of the Chinese nation, the meeting noted.

According to the meeting, the new round is aimed at helping the entire Communist Party to gain a in-depth understanding of the necessity, essence and historical role of the "Three Represents" theory, striving for new progress in implementing the theory and continuing efforts to make the theory an inalienable and self-conscious part of the guidelines of all CPC members, and leading Party officials in particular.

The meeting urged all localities and departments, proceeding from the perspective of the overall situation to make necessary arrangements in conformity with the directions of the CPC Central Committee and launch the new round of study and implementation of the "Three Represents" theory.

Meanwhile, the meeting discussed how to handle the relationships between economic work and the fight against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) disease and called on all localities and departments to continuously move forward with economic work while going all to combat the SARS epidemic.

It urged the resolution of various economic issues through development and said China would persevere in its policy of expanding domestic demand and maintain its pro-active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy.

All types of work related to reform, development and stability should be done well in an all-round way and a down-to-earth manner, and the normal order in social production, study and people's life be maintained, the meeting noted. And steadfast efforts would be made to fulfill the anticipated targets for this year's economic and social development, so as to maintain the sustained, fast and sound growth of the national economy.

The important thinking contained in the "Three Represents" describes how the CPC must represent the development of advanced productive forces, an orientation towards advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2003)