In the report he delivered at the opening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, announced that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era.

It is an era that is not only of tremendous importance to China but also to the world. For it is an era that, as Xi pointed out, is not only full of hope but also full of challenges, which no country alone can tackle. Hence his call for countries to work together to build a community of shared future for all mankind.

Thus, as it strives to achieve its "Two Centenary Goals", establishing a moderately prosperous society by 2020 and a great modern socialist nation by 2049, China will continue to open its door to the world and press ahead with reform.

In doing so, it will not only advance its own development, but also acquire greater capabilities to drive global economic growth and promote common development.

Openness brings progress, as Xi noted, and the further opening-up of the country will ensure China's interaction with the rest of the world is positive and encouraging of reciprocity for mutual gains.

In light of this, the world needs to say no to the outdated practice of viewing relations among nations as a zero-sum game, and instead act on the reality that no country alone can address the many challenges facing mankind, and no country can afford to act solely on self-interest.

In the new era, while sticking to its path of peaceful development, a stronger China will contribute more to world peace and development. And it will continue to act on its belief that people benefit most from international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and cooperation.

By sticking together through thick and thin, and making economic globalization open, inclusive and balanced, so that its benefits can be better shared by all, countries in the world can forge solidarity to overcome the common challenges they face and so secure shared development and prosperity.

As the latest Party Congress shows, China is fully confident and capable of ushering in a better future for itself in the new era and making a significant contribution to advance the trends of interconnectedness and interdependence for the betterment of all.