18-24 October 2017: National Congress of the Communist Party of China
On 24th October 2017, the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing has ended. During the Congress, President Xi Jinping has not only strengthened his power but also set ambitious plans for the future. According to Xi, by 2035, China is to become a developed socialist country, and by 2050 - a powerful, rich and with well-equipped world-class army. One of the elements of this plan is to create a navy that will be able to carry out activities around the globe. The Chinese leader has stressed that Beijing will continue to build artificial islands in the South China Sea, and to oppose any Taiwanese independence efforts. Xi Jinping also called nations of all countries to get rid of the "cold war" mentality in favour of dialogue and partnership.
