The theme of the ongoing 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) explicitly defines the path and goal of the Party, Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when joining a panel discussion of delegates to the Party congress from Shanghai.

The congress opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Thursday morning, and Hu Jintao delivered a report to the congress on behalf of the 17th CPC Central Committee.

The underlying theme of the congress is "to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, 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."

The theme of the congress, in a simple and explicit way, explains four major issues concerning the overall work of the Party and the country to people within and outside the Party, and to China and the rest of the world, Xi said.

The issues are what banner the CPC will hold, what path it will take, what ideological state it will keep, and what goal it is trying to achieve.

Putting forward such a theme is of crucial importance for the CPC to unite and lead people of all ethnic groups in the new historic journey to make greater achievements and keep up with the times.

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 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 pools the whole Party's wisdom by giving full play of 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 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.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2012)