The 19th Communist Party of China National Congress will be held in Beijing during the second half of 2017, according to a communiqué released Thursday after a key CPC meeting.

A resolution on convening the 19th CPC National Congress was deliberated and passed at the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee held from Monday to Thursday, The 19th CPC National Congress is major event in the political life of the Party and the state. The entire Party shall comprehensively implement the spirit of the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party shall rally and lead people of all ethnicities to forge ahead with firm confidence, perform various works of the Party and the state, particularly preparatory work for thought, theories and organization, economic and social development, as well as ideological work, and safeguard social harmony and stability.

China has set 2020 as the target year to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects -- or Xiaokang -- just one year before the CPC celebrates its 100th anniversary.

China will build on the foundation created by the "moderately prosperous society" with another 15 years of hard work, to ensure that socialist modernization is "basically realized by 2035." By the mid-21st century, China will become "a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence," Xi told more than 2,300 applauding delegates.

This means China has set a higher goal for about 30 years from now, and its modernization drive is picking up speed.

It also means for the first time in human history, over 1 billion people will be lifted into modernity at one time.

The Chinese people should certainly take pride in the unprecedented progress the nation has made over the past several decades, which has raised living standards in China and in other countries as well, China's rise fully justifies the announcement of a 'new era,' both for China and for the world.