National Congress of Communist Party of China

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is scheduled to open on Thursday. Following are some basic facts about the congress:

-- In line with the CPC Constitution, the National Congress and the Central Committee elected at the congress are the supreme leading organ of the Party.

-- In line with the CPC Constitution, the National Congress is held every five years.

-- The functions and power of the National Congress are as follows:

(1) To hear and examine the report of the Central Committee;

(2) To hear and examine the report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection;

(3) To discuss and decide on major issues concerning the Party;

(4) To revise the Constitution of the Party;

(5) To elect the Central Committee;

(6) To elect the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

-- More than 2,200 delegates, elected from more than 82 million Party members across the nation, will attend the 18th CPC National Congress.

-- The 1st CPC National Congress was held in 1921, with 12 delegates representing about 50 Party members nationwide.