Hu emphasized a 2020 target for achieving a "basically well-off society," a key motif of his nearly five years as head of state and chairman of the 70-million-member party.

"This is where the interests of all the nation's ethnic groups lie and this is what we must strive for unremittingly," Hu said in the speech to the party's Central Party School.

The speech was attended by the full membership of the party's Central Committee, leaders of the military and security services, representatives of all cities, provinces and regions and the heads of top government organizations.

Hu lashed out at endemic corruption, telling party cadres to put the fight against graft in an "even more prominent position."

"Party committees at all levels must fully recognize the long-term nature, difficulty, and complexity of the struggle against corruption," Hu said.

A number of prominent officials have been ousted in corruption scandals in the past year.

At that gathering, Hu is expected to install allies, push rivals aside and lay out priorities for another half-decade in power.

Hu and fellow leaders have sought to shore up broad public support by promoting improved social services, environmental protection and greater social equity after three decades of reforms that have left behind many of China's 1.3 billion people.

Rapid economic growth must continue, but should also bring higher value, protect the environment, and benefit "the basic interests of the broadest masses," Hu said.

Hu said the party should focus on key concerns such as education and employment, along with the construction of a social security net and basic health care system for the roughly 800 million rural residents.

"The reform of our nation's political system must maintain a correct political direction, must unrelentingly keep pace with economic and social development, and must endeavor to unceasingly adjust to the active political participation of our nation's people," Hu said.