Since the nationwide economic reform and opening-up policy, which started in 1978, China has made significant achievements in economic and social development. This can largely be attributed to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

　　Following Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin came to power as the core of the third generation of CPC leaders. Under his leadership, China experienced great developmental growth and saw great reforms, as well as the peaceful return of Hong Kong from the UK, and Macao from Portugal.

　　Jiang’s main ideological contribution to the Party was the theory of the Three Represents (三个代表), which was first introduced in 2000. The theory mirrored the practical requirements for realizing the general objectives of party building at that time.

　　In 2002, Hu Jintao became General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Other than continuing with the economic reforms, he put forward the Scientific Outlook on Development (科学发展观). Party leaders pay more attention to people’s livelihoods and building a harmonious society.

　　The four generations of CPC leadership have all combined adherence to the basic tenets of Marxism with adaptation to China’s circumstances at different times, with respect to revolution, construction and reform.

　　And the CPC’s efforts to push forward the Sinicization of Marxism while sticking to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics should continue, said Vice President Xi Jinping on June 20 at a national forum on Party building in Beijing.

　　Xi said that this is the primary reason the CPC has grown and expanded over the past 90 years and led the people to notable achievements.