The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has set China's course for the next five years and beyond.

China's focus on stability is welcome at a time when much of the world is unsettled due, for example to North Korea's nuclear ambitions, Brexit, continuing problems in the Middle East, and a lot more.

Stability is essential if China is to continue its economic and social development in a 21st-century Information Age and an inter-connected world. This means creating a more diversified economy with a focus on enhanced quality and international competitiveness.

Stability was a major focus of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC Xi Jinping's remarks as he delivered the report to the 19th CPC National Congress. This will involve continued domestic growth and development, especially far inland in the western regions.

Other issues involve addressing inequalities within Chinese society, continuing the move towards greater urbanization, diversifying the economy, strengthening the education system, and continued development of key programs related to improving the environment, advancement of China's space program and striving to take a leading role in the development of such advanced aspects as nanotechnology, gene technology, computerization, robotics and artificial intelligence.

As stressed by Xi, China must also continue to enhance its capacity for innovation through innovative research, training and application by all sectors of business and industry, both private and state-owned enterprises.

It must build on its impressive gains in infrastructure, e-commerce, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, enhanced supply chains, the Internet of Things, e-commerce and new business models as China's huge and growing middle class seeks to improve its standard of living.

According to Xi, the government must also be a key player in continuing innovation and reform. This includes greater efficiency, enhanced budgetary processes, greater transparency, continued enhancement of contract and other commercial laws and taxation reform.

While progressing on its own chosen path, China should also seek to increase its position in the world to fill the gap left by the United States withdrawal from global agendas such as climate change and major multi-party trade agreements. It is clear Chinese leaders realize that a country of such large size and significance has no choice but to engage with the world.

A related issue concerns China's choices about how best to go about this global engagement. One way is through soft power, playing a cautious, but positive, role in contributing to global order and stability. Building consensus, always being ready to engage in dialogue and contributing to global agendas and supporting international institutions and principles such as the rule of law are other ways to produce sustainable and long-lasting influence.

As the late distinguished and long-serving U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright once noted, "Law is the essential foundation of stability and order both within societies and in international relations." The centrality and rule of law was a theme stressed by Xi in indicating redoubled efforts to promote awareness of the law among all sectors of Chinese society.

Regionally, China will build upon its leadership role, most notably by meeting its goals in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative. The most challenging problem will be the Korean Peninsula. Hopefully, sanctions may exert pressure for genuine dialogue among all stakeholders so that a peaceful resolution may be obtained for the issues of this long-troubled part of the world.

China is focused on the future—engagement and dialogue focused on mutual respect and constant innovation. In this regard, China is well poised to play a leading role in such areas as electric cars, solar energy and wind turbines and the development of new e-commerce models that further develop society in ways that benefit all.

In this way, as Xi noted in his opening remarks, China will become a modern socialist country as it continues to advance politically, culturally, socially and economically.

As delegates from all parts of Chinese society come together in the 19th CPC National Congress, may they approach and engage with one another respectfully and constructively to find the best path forward for China.

As Xi persuasively argued in his opening remarks, the Chinese dream is inextricably linked with the dreams of other nations. He urged China and the world to move forward together in the pursuit of mutual interests for a more secure, fairer, environmentally sustainable future for all peoples.

The author is emeritus professor at University of Canberra and honorary professor at China University of Political Science and Law

This article was originally published on China.com.cn

Comments to baishi@bjreview.com