China's Xi outlines vision of 'great modern socialist country'

BEIJING -- Chinese President and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping outlined a goal of developing China into a "great modern socialist country" by the middle of the century, as the party kicked off its 19th congress Wednesday to elect new leadership for the party and the nation. 

In a speech lasting nearly three and half hours at the opening ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said China will become a country that "leads the world in terms of the composite national strength and international influence." He appeared to be cementing the foundation of his administration for a second term by laying out a medium- to long-term vision.