China’s President Xi Jinping signals continuity at Communist Party congress

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of China’s ruling Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping signalled on Sunday that his government will maintain policies that have put it at odds with the US and other nations and deepened Communist Party control of the economy and society.

Mr Xi, speaking at the opening of the twice-a-decade congress that is expected to give him a third five-year term, extolled the achievements of the past five years and said the party will strive to achieve what it calls the “rejuvenation” of the nation.