Beijing, Oct 1 (IANS): China should unswervingly stick to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, said an article in Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth), the official magazine of the Communist Party of China (CPC) central committee.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a right path blazed by the CPC and the people during long-term practice, and proves to be the only system that can solve the problems concerning development and progress of contemporary China, according to a copy of the article obtained by Xinhua Sunday.

"Facing an abruptly-changing international situation as well as an arduous domestic task of promoting reform, development and social stability, we must stick to the path... and strive to open up broader prospect of the socialism of Chinese characteristics," reads the article.

In doing so, the most fundamental way is to stick to the socialist path, theories and system, the article says.

In a July speech, CPC central committee general secretary Hu Jintao expounded the views on key issues concerning the future development of the CPC and China.

The speech also demonstrated the resolution and confidence of the party and the Chinese people in forging ahead along the socialist path, according to the article.

The article says Hu's speech has laid the political, ideological and theoretical foundation for the upcoming 18th National Congress of the CPC.