The Communist Party of China opens its 20th national congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct 16, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

The policy of One Country, Two Systems is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi said. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao after their return to the motherland. This policy must be adhered to over the long term, Xi stressed. We will remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao, and ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the two regions, he said. We will see that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots, he added. He also pledged support to Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating themselves into China's overall development and playing a greater role in realizing national rejuvenation.

Moreover, Xi vowed to continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but noted that "we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary." Complete reunification of our country must be realized, and it can, without doubt, be realized, Xi said.

According to Xi, today, our world, our times, and history are changing in ways like never before. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, he said, adding that the country adheres to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in pursuing friendship and cooperation with other countries, and remains committed to its fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world. The Chinese people are ready to work hand in hand with people across the world to create an even brighter future for humanity, said Xi.

Xi called for the whole Party to bear in mind that full and rigorous self-governance is an unceasing endeavor and that self-reform is a journey to which there is no end. We must never slacken our efforts and never allow ourselves to become weary or beaten, and we must persevere with full and rigorous self-governance, continue to advance the great new project of Party building in the new era, and use our own transformation to steer social transformation, Xi said.

He underlined that we must uphold and strengthen the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, enhance cohesion and forge the Party's soul with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and improve the systems and regulations for the Party's self-reform. He also urged efforts to cultivate officials capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation, enhance the political and organizational functions of Party organizations, take strict steps to improve Party conduct and enforce Party discipline, and win the tough and protracted battle against corruption.

Xi pointed out that the Party has made spectacular achievements through its great endeavors over the past century, and our new endeavors will surely lead to more spectacular achievements.