20. 2002: The 16th National Congress of the CPC sets forth the goal of building an all-around well-off society

The 16th National Congress of the CPC further put forward building an all-around well-off society on the basis that China has solved the problem of food and clothing, the general living standard of people has reached Xiaokang (well-off level), namely, during the first 20 years of the 21st century, to build an all-around well-off society benefiting the 1.3 billion population and to achieve more economic development, improve democracy and develop science and education and a booming culture, making the society more harmonious and the people's life more affluent; by the mid-21st century, to build China into an affluent, strong, democratic and civilized modern socialist country.

21. 2003: Putting forward the strategy of rejuvenating the old industrial bases of northeastern China

On September 10, 2003, the State Council executive meeting enacted the strategy of rejuvenating the old industrial bases of northeastern China, putting forward the guiding thoughts, principals, tasks, policies and measures on rejuvenating northeastern China.

On September 29, 2003, the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao presided over the Politburo meeting. The meeting pointed out that the rejuvenation of the old industrial bases of northeastern China is an important strategic task set forth by the 16th National People's Congress of the CPC on the basis of building an all-around well-off society. Various departments and regions were urged to further emancipate thoughts, deepen reforms and promote system innovation as well as the new way of rejuvenation.

22. 2004: The "Nine Articles" to promote the development of capital market

On January 31, 2004, the Several Opinions of the State Council on Promoting the Reform and Opening up of the Capital Market and Its Steady Development was promulgated. They clearly pointed out that vigorously developing capital market is of great importance for China in realizing the strategic target of doubling the economic output by 2020.

23. 2004: The state-owned commercial banks conduct joint-stock system reform

The Bank of China Co. Ltd. and the China Construction Bank Co, Ltd. were respectively set up on August 26 and September 21, 2004, becoming joint-stock commercial banks.

24. 2004: Protection of private property is written into the Constitution

On March 14, 2004, the Second Session of the 10th National People's Congress passed the fourth Constitutional Amendment. Some contents including "citizens' legal private property should not be infringed upon", "the State respects and protect human rights" were written into the Constitution, in accordance with the requirements for protecting private property, enlarging the protection range of private property and further improving the protection system regarding private property.

25．2005: Abolishing agriculture tax

On December 29, 2005, the 19th Session of the 10th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a decision to abolish the nearly 50-year old regulation for an agriculture tax. China's 900 million farmers said goodbye to the history of paying agriculture tax.

26. 2005: Putting forward the task of building new socialist countryside

On October 11, 2005, the Fifth Plenary Session of the 16th National People's Congress of the CPC passed the Suggestion of the CPC Central Committee on Stipulating the 11th Five-year Plan (2006-2010) of the National Economic and Social Development, which clearly defined the developing goal and action guideline for next five years, putting forward the important and historical task of Building a New Socialist Countryside, making a clear direction for works concerning agriculture, rural economy and farmers in next stage.

This strategic measure not only benefits hundred of millions of farmers but also is connected with the county's long-term stability.

27. 2005: Trial reform on classification of the shares in listed companies

After approval from the State Council, the China Securities Regulatory Commission issued the Notice on Certain Questions Concerning the Trial Reform on Classification of the Shares in Listed Companies on April 29, 2005, announcing the start of this trial reform.

One year later, China's capital market made great improvements in following aspects: the qualification of listed companies, the comprehensive management and control of securities companies, increasing development and strengthening of organizational investments and the market legal system.

28: 2006: Building a harmonious socialist society

The Six Plenary Session of the 16th National People's Congress of the CPC held on October 8-11 passed the Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Several Important Issues Concerning Constructing a Harmonious Socialist Society. For the first time in the Party's history, "improving the ability to construct the harmonious socialist society" was put forward clearly as one important part of the Party's qualifications toward governing the country.

29. 2007: Promulgation of the Property Law

The Property Law was passed on March 16, 2007 at the Fifth Session of the 10th National People's Congress and went into effect as of October 1, 2007. Comprised of five sections containing 19 chapters and 247 articles, the Property Law is rich in content. It purports basic laws under China's socialist legal system and is connected with adhering to and improving the county's basic economic system, improving the socialist market economy system and maintaining the fundamental interests of the general public.

30. 2007: The Scientific Outlook on Development being inscribed in CPC Constitution

The Scientific Outlook on Development means putting people first and aiming at comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development.

This theory was put forward at the Third Plenary Session of the 16th CPC National Congress in 2003. It shows the new central leadership's deeper, innovative understanding regarding the connotation, essence and nature of development.

In October 2007, it was inscribed in the Constitution of the Chinese Communist Party at the Party's 17th national congress.

(China.org.cn by Wang Qian November 25, 2008)