The 17th Communist Party Congress kicks off today in Beijing. The congress is held every five years. It is an important one, being just before the Beijing Olympics.

The congress confirms economic policy including China’s ’socialism with Chinese characteristics’. It is a big media event as all leaders arrive from all over the country.

The reports on television focus on leaders saying how happy their people are with the economic progress of China.

Further reading: All change as Chinese face game of their life