The 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the rule of law Tuesday in a communique.

The committee concluded its four-day plenary session Tuesday and issued a communique. The meeting drew a roadmap for the country's economic and social development in the next five years.

The session stressed that the country will implement the rule of law, improve socialist democracy, and advance reform of the policial system in an active and steady way, the communique says.

China will promote progress in socialist culture and ethics to enable the people are always in high spirits. The country will strengthen national defense and the military, the document says.

Efforts will be made to ensure long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, to expand relations across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the cause of peaceful reunification of the country, the communique says.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)