Beijing, Nov 8 (IANS): The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened here Thursday, with Chinese President Hu Jintao calling on all the party members and the Chinese people to "march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics".

Hu made the remarks in his keynote report to the CPC's 18th National Congress on behalf of the 17th CPC Central Committee, reported Xinhua.

The theme of the congress is to "hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics...free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool our strength, overcome all difficulties, firmly march on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects".

Thanks to over 90 years of hard struggle, the CPC has rallied and led the people of all ethnic groups of the country in turning the poor and backward old China into an increasingly prosperous and powerful new China and opening up bright prospects for the great renewal of the Chinese nation, Hu said.

"At present, as the global, national and our party's conditions continue to undergo profound changes, we are faced with unprecedented opportunities for development as well as risks and challenges unknown before," Hu said, stressing that the whole party must keep in mind the trust and great expectation from the people.

"We must aim higher and work harder and continue to pursue development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, and improve the people's lives so as to complete the glorious and arduous tasks bestowed on us by the times," he said.