CPC Constitution enshrines Scientific Outlook on Development as part of action guide (2)

KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES

Since the current Constitution was endorsed in 1982, the Party has made six revisions in accordance with the country's changing conditions and the Party's latest achievements in adapting Marxism to China's practical situation.

In 1997, Deng Xiaoping Theory was written into the Constitution as a manifestation of the Party's judgment that China would remain in the primary stage of socialism for a long period of time, and should make economic development as the central task.

Five years later, the important thought of Three Represents was incorporated into the Constitution to clarify what socialism is and how China should build socialism.

Following the outbreak of the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, the Scientific Outlook on Development was put forward in October that year at the Third Plenary Session of the 16th CPC Central Committee to facilitate overall, coordinated and sustainable development.

"By proposing and formulating the Scientific Outlook on Development, the Party clarifies the definition of scientific development, enhances its governing capacity and consolidates its governing position and legitimacy," said professor Dai Yanjun of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

The 18th Party congress also endorsed the inclusion of the socialist system, path and theories with Chinese characteristics into the CPC Constitution, to help the Party deepen its understanding of the socialist path China has embarked on and fully grasp its nature, the resolution said.

Liu Jingbei, director of China Executive Leadership Academy-Pudong in Shanghai, said this move has rejected the distractive ideological trends in recent years, reaffirming the Party's stance of neither going back to rigidity nor attempting to abandon socialism or take an erroneous path.

Recommendations:
Video: Opening ceremony of 18th CPC National Congress	Hu Jintao delivers report to CPC congress	'Beautiful scenery' at 18th CPC National Congress
18th CPC National Congress: A crucial event for China	China Voice: As U.S. elections wind down, so might China-bashing	China says "no concessions" on sovereignty issue