2003

Spring

China suffered from an intense outbreak of SARS never seen before. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the whole Party and the people across the country made persistent efforts to prevent and control SARS while striving to promote economic growth, achieving a great victory for SARS prevention and control. On July 28, Hu Jintao delivered a speech at the National Conference on SARS Prevention and Control, and stated that from a long-term point of view, it was essential to further study and promote the coordinated development of the economy and society.

October 14

The 3rd Plenary Session of the 16th CPC Central Committee adopted the Decision on Certain Issues Concerning Improving the Socialist Market Economy. It clearly identified the major task of improving the socialist market economic system, and proposed that a development outlook that put people first and aimed at comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development must be upheld to promote an all-round development of the economy, society and people.