The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened Thursday morning in Beijing and Hu Jintao is delivering a report entitled "Firmly march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects."

Jiang Zemin, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang were present at the opening ceremony of the congress, along with more than 2,300 delegates and specially invited delegates.

The five-yearly event will elect a new generation of leadership and the detailed agenda of the congress have been set as follows:

-- To hear and examine the report submitted by the 17th CPC Central Committee;

-- To examine the report on the work of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection;

-- To deliberate and adopt the amendment to the CPC Constitution;

-- To elect the Party's 18th Central Committee and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2012)