The 19^thNational Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,China, at 9 a.m.Oct 18^th, 2017.

President XI Jinping delivered a report on behalf of the 18^thCentral Committee of the CPC,declaring that with decades of tireless endeavors, socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era. XI defined this new era as China`s new historic orientation in development and called for people`s steadfast adherence to the Two Centenary Goals. “It will be an era of securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and of moving on to all-out efforts to a great modern socialist country”, XI said.

The faculty, staff, and students of Tongji viewed or listened to the live broadcast of the National Congress through diverse means on Oct 18^th. In the morning, the Party leaders of the University joined the representatives of the teachers and students in viewing this grand occasion at the university auditorium packed with 3000 audienceon theSiping Campus. In addition, more teachers and students witnessed this historic momentat differentsites in student activity rooms, lecture halls, classrooms, laboratories, community centers for retired faculty members, in front of the Big Screen in the open air, and even on the scientific exploration boat in the West Pacific Ocean.Excited overseas exchange teachers and students of the university watched this moment online in spite of the time difference.