Beijing: The 20th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) will began today at the Beijing Great Hall of the People, and will conclude on the 22nd.

Ahead of the conference, a meeting was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of General Secretary Xi Jinping. A 22-member Credential Committee and a 243-member Presidium were elected. This is the first party congress after the party has completed 100 years.

China’s most influential figure in decades spoke as the party opened a congress that was closely watched by companies, governments and the Chinese public for signs of its economic and political direction. It comes amid a painful economic slump and tension with Washington and Asian neighbors over trade, technology and security.

In the party Congress opening speach, Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that have strained relations with Washington and tightened the ruling Communist Party’s control over society and the economy.

Xi cited his government’s severe “zero COVID” strategy, which has shut down major cities and disrupted travel and business, as a success. But he gave no indication of a possible change despite public frustration with its rising cost.

In a wide-ranging speech during the opening session, Xi also spoke firmly about China’s resolve for reunification with the self-governed island, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

Xi was assertive as always on Taiwan and Hong Kong during the opening address, and also waened against foreign interference in Taiwan, saying China will 'never promise to renounce' force

In his speech that lasted over an hour, Xi outlined his vision for the Chinese military, economic growth, innovation in technology, climate change and several other matters.

Under Xi Jinping's rule over the past decade, the Chinese Communist Party has grown to become a critical influence in the lives of China's 1.4 billion people.