March toward a world-class military

President Xi Jinping called for accelerating the development of a world-class military, while touting the fight against poverty and Covid.

Xi spoke highly of the government's accomplishments in the past 10 years, saying the past decade marked three major achievements of historical significance for the party and the people.

"We embraced the centenary of the Communist Party of China; we ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and we eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the party's first centenary goal," he said.

"This is a historic victory won by the united efforts of the CPC and the Chinese people."

Xi said the country has resolved the problem of absolute poverty, making significant contributions to the cause of global poverty reduction.

"Through continuous efforts, we have realized Chinese people's thousand-year-old dream of achieving a moderately prosperous society and won the biggest battle against poverty in human history," Xi said.

The world's second-largest economy has seen historic growth in the past decade as the country's gross domestic product rose from 54 trillion yuan (HK$59 trillion) to 114 trillion yuan, while its share of the global economy increased from 11.3 percent to 18.5 percent.

In efforts to fight the coronavirus, Xi said the country will continue to pursue a dynamic zero-Covid policy.

"In the face of the expected Covid pandemic, we give priority to people's lives and unwaveringly uphold the dynamic zero-Covid policy to combat the pandemic ... achieved positive results in balancing pandemic prevention and economic development," he said.

Meanwhile, Xi stressed the need to safeguard national security and social stability.

"National security is the bedrock of national rejuvenation and social stability is a prerequisite for building a strong and prosperous China," he said.

Xi called on building a world-class military by 2027, which is "a strategic requirement for the comprehensive construction of a modernized socialist country."

He urged to accelerate the army's organization pattern, personnel and weaponry to strengthen China's ability to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests.

It is a must that "the army always follows the direction of the party" and fight against corruption he said. He also declared "an overwhelming victory" against corruption over the past 10 years and "eliminated serious hidden dangers within the party, the government and the army."