Beijing -The highlights in history are always obtained through overcoming difficulties; the great achievements in the new era are always realized through arduous efforts, said a People's Daily editorial to be published on Wednesday, when the 19th CPC National Congress will be held.

Today, the 19th CPC National Congress begins in Beijing. This congress comes at a critical moment of building a well-off society in an all-round way and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. The congress will give clear answers to such important questions as what kind of banner should the Party hold, what way should the Party take and what kind of mental state, historic mission and goals should it have. It will put forward a comprehensive, strategic and forward-looking program of action. The convening of the congress is key to the future of the Party, the country and the fate of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is in the fundamental interest of the overwhelming majority, which has political, theoretical and practical importance to the building of a well-off society, of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the realization of the Chinese Dream for a great revival.

China has achieved remarkable progress in the last five years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with great political courage and strong responsibility overcoming difficulties and engaging in innovation and reform.

Through the "Five in One" overall plan and the "Four Comprehensives" strategy for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the last five years, China's economy, science, technology and defense have improved significantly with progress in comprehensive national power, international influence and people's sense of gain.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered into a new stage following great outcomes achieved by the Party since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and especially since the reform and opening up movement.

Those historic achievements and reforms mark a new starting point and are of great and deep significance for the development of the Party and the country.

The Party's leadership is the most essential feature and the greatest advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

In the last five years, China has achieved historically significant outcomes in reform and opening up as well as socialist modernization thanks to the leadership of the CPC with Xi Jinping at the core.

During this period, the Party has continuously enhanced its development and core role, which could be regarded as the most far-reaching achievement and the foundation of progress.

In particular, General Secretary of CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's speeches and new ideas, thoughts and strategies for state governance and administration have pushed the Party's recognition on governance, socialism construction and social development to a new level and built an integrated scientific theory system.

It is also the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to concrete Chinese conditions, opening up a new frontier of Marxism in contemporary China.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics has allowed China to make a historic leap from being independent to being rich and stronger, expanding modernization for developing countries and offering China's wisdom to the world.

At the new historic starting point, the CPC should establish a firmer footing on “matters of confidence” to firmly grasp China's development and Chinese people’s aspirations for a better life.

It is hoped that this congress can handle important strategic issues in China's development with a broader version and longer-term view, and make breakthroughs in theory and practice. This congress is expected to strengthen the unity of all ethnicities in China, with a more active status and posture, to make efforts, build important projects, and implement great careers and realize the Chinese dream, and thus promote socialism with Chinese characteristics.

All great achievements are the result of continuous struggles, and all great careers are promoted by inheriting the past and opening the future. We are closer to the target of the great revival of the Chinese nation than at any other time in history, and have more confidence and capability to realize the dream. China is on the path to realizing the first centennial goal and building a well-off society in an all-round way, and is endeavoring to realize the second centennial goal. Our Party bravely holds its responsibility for the country, and leads the Chinese people to realize the Chinese dream of revival.

We wish the congress great success!