China's ruling Communist Party today began its week long once-in-a-five-year Congress which will confirm a second five-year term for President Xi Jinping and elect new set of leaders.

A host of former leaders including former Presidents, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jimtao took part in the opening meeting.

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will also elect a new generation of leaders to work with Xi.

The agenda for the key Congress, which will conclude on October 24, has been set at the preparatory meeting held yesterday.

Xi presided over the preparatory meeting at the Great Hall of the People which was attended by 2,307 party delegates and especially invited delegates, CPC spokesman Tuo Zhen told media yesterday.

A 22-member delegate credentials committee was approved at the meeting. A presidium of the Congress consisting of 243members was also approved.

The agenda of the party for the Congress includeexamining the work report about the progress achieved duringthe past five years, scrutinising report of the disciplineinspection relating to the massive anti-corruption carried outin which over 1.34 million party officials especially some topranking leaders were punished.

The meeting will also deliberate and adopt an amendmentto the party's Constitution, Tuo said.

It will also elect a new Central Committee and its 19thCentral Commission for discipline inspection.

Besides Xi and Premier Li Keqiang, the party was expected to elect a new generation of leaders for various powerful bodies of the party.  -- PTI