The theme of the congress is based on the full comprehension of current conditions of the world, the nation and the Party, the new requirements of the nation's development and new expectations of the people. It is closely interlinked with the overall plan for promoting economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological progress in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi said.

To thoroughly understand the theme of the congress, one must understand the historical background and soberly realize that the Party is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges, while the key lies in whether the Party can grasp the opportunities and tackle the challenges in a cool-headed way.

The Party shall continue to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, maintain an ideological state to free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool the strength and overcome all difficulties, promote economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological progress and Party building in an all-around way.

The Party shall unswervingly advance along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and unite to forge ahead with tenacity and resolve, Xi said.

The report delivered by Hu Jintao on behalf of the 17th CPC Central Committee pools the whole Party's wisdom by giving full play to democracy, Xi said.

The report is clear-cut, profound, pragmatic and comprehensive, and will become the political manifesto and program of action to make new victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics under new circumstances.

Xi spoke highly of the work in Shanghai since the 17th Party congress, and encouraged comrades in Shanghai to usher in a new situation in the municipality.

Delegates from Shanghai voiced their support for the report, saying it is meant to free up the mind, implement the policy of reform and opening up, pool the strength and overcome all difficulties, and it mobilizes the whole Party to work for the completion of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and a happier and brighter future of the Chinese people.

Yu Zhengsheng joined the panel discussion.