The Communist Party of China opens the 19th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct 18, 2017. [Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

Principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved in new era

"What we now face is the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life," he said.

The evolution of the principal contradiction represents a "historic shift that affects the whole landscape and that creates many new demands for the work of the Party and the country," Xi said.

Previously the principal contradiction was described as one between "the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and backward social production."

CPC to set up central leading group for advancing law-based governance in all areas

The move is aimed at exercising unified leadership over the initiative to build rule of law in China, he said.

Advancing law-based governance in all fields is a profound revolution in China's governance, Xi said.

Related：CPC to advance constitutionality review

Xi calls for furthering SOE reform

Xi called for furthering reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and making them "stronger, better and bigger."

"We will further reform of SOEs, develop mixed-ownership economic entities, and turn Chinese enterprises into world-class, globally competitive firms," Xi said.

Vowing to take effective measures to prevent the loss of state assets, the CPC will also work to ensure state assets "maintain and increase" their value, and support state capital in "becoming stronger, doing better, and growing bigger," Xi said.