BEIJING — Xi Jinping on Oct 18 unveiled a two-stage plan of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to make China a “great modern socialist country” by mid-21st century.

It was announced in a report Xi delivered to the 19th CPC National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.

This is the first time that the CPC has set forth a post-2020 strategic plan to make China a “great” country. The Party is expected to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020.

According to the new plan, the CPC will basically realize socialist modernization in the first stage from 2020 to 2035, before developing China into a “great modern socialist country” that is “prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful” after another 15 years.

This means the CPC now aims to basically achieve socialist modernization of the country around 15 years ahead of its previous schedule set by the Party’s three strategic goals, which were laid out after the adoption of the reform and opening up policy in late 1970s.

The two-stage development plan is the CPC’s “strategic vision for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era,” Xi said.

According to the plan, the following goals will have been met by 2035:

— China’s economic and technological strength has increased significantly. China has become a global leader in innovation.

— The rights of the people to participate and to develop as equals are adequately protected. The rule of law for the country, the government, and society is basically in place. Institutions in all fields are further improved; the modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance is basically achieved.

— Social etiquette and civility are significantly enhanced. China’s cultural soft power has grown much stronger; Chinese culture has greater appeal.

— People are leading more comfortable lives, and the size of the middle-income group has grown considerably. Disparities in urban-rural development, in development between regions, and in living standards are significantly reduced; equitable access to basic public services is basically ensured; and solid progress has been made toward prosperity for everyone.

— A modern social governance system has basically taken shape, and society is full of vitality, harmonious, and orderly.

— There is a fundamental improvement in the environment; the goal of building a Beautiful China is basically attained.

By the middle of the 21st century, the following goals will have been met:

— New heights are reached in every dimension of material, political, cultural and ethical, social, and ecological advancement.

— Modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance is achieved.

— China has become a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence.

— Common prosperity for everyone is basically achieved.

— The Chinese people enjoy happier, safer, and healthier lives.

“The Chinese nation will become a proud and active member of the community of nations,” said Xi.

The two-stage plan is an important component of the “Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” a long-term guide to action that the Party must adhere to and develop.

The Thought builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. It represents the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, Xi said.

The five-yearly CPC congress is China’s most significant political meeting.

This is a meeting of great importance taking place during the decisive stage in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and at a critical moment as socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, Xi said.

The congress will deliberate and adopt an amendment to the CPC Constitution. It will also elect the Party’s 19th Central Committee and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.