This morning, the first Plenary Session of the 19th CPC National Congress kicked off and seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee have been newly elected and meet the global press.

Robert Lawrence Kuhn, author of “How China’s Leaders Think” and host of the program “Closer to China with R. L. Kuhn,” has been deeply looking into China’s policies for decades and his distinguished understanding of China. During the last week, he’s had comprehensive coverage on the 19th Party Congress and has delivered his impression on the new Party leadership and his interpretations on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

As to the seven newly elected members of the Politburo Standing Committee, five of whom are new faces, Kuhn believes they are “inspiring and history-making” with each individual of a distinguished career. Through the leadership transition, China’s major policies are continuous and consistent to support the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020.

Kuhn met Xi Jinping some 12 years ago and Xi talked to him about his ideas of governance. Kuhn said he has seen the consistency of Xi’s policy in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which has been enshrined into the Party’s Constitution.

Kuhn believes that there are two basic foundations of the new ideology: People’s orientation and rejuvenation of Chinese nation. Xi’s Thought also covers other very important aspects, including comprehensively deepening reform, the increasing role of the Party in the society, Xi’s substantial commitment to renew the Party through anti-corruption campaign and various behavior rules & guidelines, comprehensively strengthening the rule of law, improving environment and international engagement to the world with the Belt and Road Initiative.