Chinese President Xi Jinping cited three key aspects of the country's progress during the past four decades at a conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up on Tuesday in Beijing.

He said, "The past 40 years eloquently prove that the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics pioneered in the wake of the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee by the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, rallying under the leadership of the CPC, are completely correct, and the CPC's basic theory, line and policy that have since taken shape are completely correct."

"The past 40 years eloquently prove that China's development provides a successful experience and offers a bright prospect for other developing countries as they strive for modernization. China's development has effectively served the cause of world peace and development and represents a great contribution of the Chinese nation to the progress of human civilization."

"The past 40 years eloquently prove that the reform and opening-up is an important way for the Party and the people to stride ahead to catch up with the times, the only path to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, a game-changing move in making China what it is today, and a game-changing move for us to achieve China's two centenary goals and its great national rejuvenation."