-- Poverty alleviation China aims to eliminate absolute poverty by 2020 before becoming a moderately prosperous society. China has lifted 68.53 million people out of poverty over the past five years, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of at least 13 million. The country's poverty rate dropped from 10.2 percent in 2012 to 3.1 percent in 2017. Despite this progress, there were around 30 million Chinese living below the national poverty line at the end of last year. -- Role of the Constitution Major theoretical achievements, principles, and policies adopted at the 19th CPC National Congress are to be incorporated into the upcoming revision to the Constitution, so as to keep pace with the times and improve the Constitution while maintaining its consistency, stability and authority since it was last amended in 2004. -- 40 years of reform and opening up After decades of reform and opening up, Chinese people's lives are getting better. The country is expected to make new historical strides in 2018 as the country marks 40 years of reform and opening up to the world. -- People's livelihood A stronger social security system will not only improve the well-being of Chinese people, but also boost individual consumption and reduce the dependence of China's economic growth on exports. President Xi said recently the issues that concern the people most -- education, jobs, health care, social security and order -- should be properly dealt with to let the people feel richer, happier, and safer. New policies concerning the people's livelihood may be released. -- National defense China has started a national defense and military reform in an effort to have a stronger military to better safeguard peace. China's defense budget and new reform measures concerning army building are to receive attention. -- A community with shared future for humanity China champions the development of a community with a shared future for humanity, and has encouraged the evolution of the global governance system. The Belt and Road Initiative, part of China's efforts to boost the development of such a community, may continue to be a hot topic at the annual sessions and new measures may be formed. |