Page 5 - FIRMLY MARCH ON THE PATH OF SOCIALISM WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS AND STRIVE TO COMPLETE THE BUILDING OF A MODERATELY PROSPEROUS SOCIETY IN ALL RESPECTS

people enjoy richer intellectual pursuits and cultural entertainment. New
progress has been made in public fitness programs and competitive sports.
Fresh progress has been made in social development. Basic public
services have improved markedly, and access to them has become much more
equitable. Education has developed rapidly, and free compulsory education is
now available in all urban and rural areas. Marked progress has been made in
developing the social security system; the basic old-age insurance system
covering both the urban and rural population has been fully established, and a
new type of social assistance system is taking shape. The whole population is
now basically covered by medical insurance; the basic urban and rural
healthcare systems are taking shape. Construction of low-income housing has
been accelerated. We have strengthened and made innovations in social
management and maintained social harmony and stability.
A new stage has been reached in efforts to strengthen national defense and
the armed forces. Significant achievements have been made in the revolution
in military affairs with Chinese characteristics. Coordinated and all-around
progress has been made in efforts to ensure the revolutionary nature of the
armed forces and that they are modern and follow standard procedures in all
operations. Military preparedness has been enhanced. The armed forces have
greatly enhanced their capability of carrying out their historic mission in this
new stage in the new century, and they have accomplished a host of urgent,
difficult, dangerous and arduous tasks.
Work related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan affairs has been further
strengthened. Hong Kong and Macao have remained prosperous and stable,
and their exchanges and cooperation with the mainland have reached a new
stage. We have achieved a major transition in the relations between the two
sides of the Taiwan Straits, with direct and two-way links of mail service,
transport and trade fully established, and the Economic Cooperation
Framework Agreement between them has been signed for implementation. All
this has promoted extensive mutual contacts and ushered in a new stage of
peaceful growth of cross-Straits relations.
New progress has been made in China’s diplomacy. We have staunchly
protected China’s interests and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese
nationals and legal persons overseas. We have increased exchanges and
cooperation with other countries. We have promoted reform in global
governance, enhanced world peace and development, secured more
representation and a greater say for China in international affairs, and created

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