"Our development path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the choice of history and people. China's historic achievement has consolidated our confidence in the path," Xi said.

 

Since the founding of People's Republic of China in 1949, especially since the reform and opening-up in 1978, China has undergone great changes. It has become the second largest economy in the world and improved the lives of more than 1.3 billion people, getting 700 million people out of poverty.

 

"Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era," Xi told the delegates.

 

He explained the country's task is to satisfy people's increasing needs on many fronts and China wants to turn itself into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by 2050.

 

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China set guidelines for China's development in politics, culture, society and environment, Xi noted.

 

China will put people at the center, carry out comprehensive reform and open up further, he said.

 

"Our goal is lofty as well as simple, and ultimately, we want all the Chinese to live a better life," the president said.

 

"China advocates a country's development path should be decided by its people and there is no one-size-fits-all model," Xi said, adding that China is willing to share national governance experiences with other countries.

 

Foreign dignitaries said China in the new era will bring more benefits to the world, as the country has shown leadership in global economy and promoting a multi-polar world.