Leadership team puts emphasis on the future

2007-10-23

"WE are keenly aware of our difficult tasks and grave responsibilities ..."

The words about a tough job ahead came in Beijing yesterday from Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China as he presented his new team that makes up the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Hu was elected yesterday as the chief of the Party for the second term at the first plenum of the 17th CPC Central Committee. He was also named chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.

Hu described the 17th CPC National Congress, which closed on Sunday, as "a resounding success."

"During the congress, we held high our banner and carried forward our cause in a truth-seeking and pragmatic manner," he said.

"As a congress of unity, victory and progress, it is of vital importance to the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country in achieving unity in thinking, determining the direction, and boosting their morale to work together for new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and opening up new prospects for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics."

Hu said the CPC Central Committee just held its first plenary session and elected the new central leading organizations.

"The plenary session elected me as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee," Hu said, introducing his eight colleagues to the media.

Hu focused on the four newcomers to the Standing Committee.

"Xi Jinping, 54, and Li Keqiang, 52, are two comrades who are relatively younger," Hu said, adding that the press is acquainted with He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, who were members of the 16th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

"On behalf of the members of the newly elected central leading organs, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all other Party members for their trust in us.

"We will always hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of the Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents, thoroughly apply the Scientific Outlook on Development, and strive to open up a broader vista for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics."

Hu said his team is firmly committed on many fronts, including:

Development, which is the Party's top priority in governing and rejuvenating the country;

Progress in developing the socialist market economy, socialist democracy, an advanced socialist culture and a harmonious socialist society;

Scientific development that puts people first and is comprehensive, balanced and sustainable.

"We will press ahead with reform and opening up," Hu said.

Social equity and justice will be prioritized.

Hu pledged to adhere to scientific, democratic and law-based governance and work selflessly for the public interest.

"We will develop friendship and cooperation with all other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and push for the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity."