BEIJING -- Xi Jinping on Sunday listed major principles in the great and arduous endeavor to build a modern socialist China in all respects.

"On the journey ahead, we must firmly adhere to the major principles of upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership, following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, applying a people-centered development philosophy, remaining committed to deepening reform and opening up as well as carrying forward our fighting spirit," Xi said in a report at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"Our future is bright, but we still have a long way to go," Xi said.

China has entered a period of development in which strategic opportunities, risks, and challenges are concurrent and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising, according to the report.

Warning of various "black swan" and "gray rhino" events that may occur at any time, the report urged the CPC members to "be more mindful of potential dangers, be prepared to deal with worst-case scenarios, and be ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms."

"We must foster a firmer sense of purpose, fortitude, and self-belief in the whole Party and the Chinese people so that we cannot be swayed by fallacies, deterred by intimidation, or cowed by pressure," Xi said.

He urged the Party to meet obstacles and difficulties head on, ensure both development and security, and dig deep to surmount the difficulties and challenges on the road ahead.

"Let us harness our indomitable fighting spirit to open up new horizons for our cause," he said.