BEIJING - When the first rays of sun of 2012 illuminate China, the Chinese people will embrace a new year of hopes and expectations.

Proud of the good beginnings of the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), the Chinese people will embrace the convention of the 18th national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012.

2011 was the inaugural year of China's 12th Five-Year Plan period, as well as the host of the CPC's 90th anniversary and the centennial anniversary of the 1911 Revolution.

Reflecting on the past 100 years in which the Chinese nation has marched from misery toward rejuvenation, we have realized the correctness of the CPC's leadership, the profound influence of the reform and opening-up drive, and the bright prospects of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Under the leadership of the CPC in 2011, Chinese people of all ethnic groups have made unremitting efforts in the country's construction and have scored remarkable achievements in economic and social development.

In 2011, the effects of the global financial crisis continued to ripple through some countries and regions of the world. Unstable and uncertain factors in the world economic recovery expanded as the growth of some of the world's major economies slowed and sovereign debt problems in some countries emerged.

The domestic economy was affected by the sluggish international market and faced the pressure of managing inflation expectations. The complex domestic and international environment was a test of the CPC's ruling capacity.

In the face of these severe challenges, the CPC Central Committee made strategic and scientific decisions by considering both internal and external situations, focusing on stabilizing commodity prices, adjusting the economic structure, improving people's livelihood, and promoting social harmony.

It is estimated that China's economy will register annual growth of 9 percent or more for 2011. The country's grain output has increased for eight consecutive years. Meanwhile, construction has kicked off on ten million affordable housing units, the poverty line has been raised, and the social security network has been improved.

The policy package aims to allow the masses to enjoy the achievements of the reform and opening-up drive. At the same time, China vigorously seeks to cooperate with the world's major economies in order to create a win-win situation and play an increasingly important role in world economic affairs.

The achievements China has made in 2011 serve as a solid foundation for improving people's livelihood, and create an environment more favorable for deepening reform and opening-up and transforming the economic growth model.

These achievements have also injected a new vitality into the world economy, bringing more attention to the "China Road."

All the accomplishments came as a result of China's deepening implementation of the Scientific Outlook on Development, which has shored up new strength for the country's future development.

Facing a complicated situation and severe challenges, China needs to adhere to the Scientific Outlook on Development, accelerate the transformation of its economic growth model, and promote the coordinated development of the economic, political, cultural, and social sectors.

Looking ahead, there are favorable conditions as well as difficulties and challenges at home and abroad for China's social and economic development in 2012.

In addition to a complex global economic and political environment, China still has arduous tasks in economic restructuring, maintaining a steady and relatively fast economic growth, and promoting social stability and harmony.

According to the Central Economic Work Conference convened in December to map out plans for the country's economic work in 2012, China will seek stable and relatively fast economic growth, and try to "make progress while maintaining stability."

Stability means maintaining a basically steady macro-economic policy, relatively fast economic growth, stable consumer prices, and social steadiness.

To make progress, we must continue to seize this strategically important development period, push forward the reform and opening up drive with greater resolution and strength, and make new advances and breakthroughs in transforming China's economic development mode, deepening reform, and improving people's lives.

To make progress while maintaining stability, the work of safeguarding and improving people's livelihood must be put in a more prominent position. Emerging problems in the spheres of education, employment, social insurance, medical treatment, housing, and public culture should be resolved. More tangible benefits should be brought to the masses. Legal and rational appeals from the masses shall be properly handled.

To make progress while maintaining stability, the socialist core value system shall be carried forward. In the period in which the economy and society are undergoing fast development and transformation, a unified guiding ideology as well as common ideals and beliefs for the entire society are especially needed.

To make progress while maintaining stability, the political and institutional advantages of socialism with Chinese characteristics shall be brought into full play.

The leadership of the CPC and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics are the foundations for uniting all of the country's ethnic groups in overcoming difficulties and marching toward victory.