China reveals plan to become world's biggest superpower within 30 years

China has outlined its plans to become the world’s biggest superpower within the next 30 years.

Xi Jinping opened the five-yearly National Congress and set out his plan for the country to become a “global leader” by 2050.

Speaking in the Great Hall of the People for 3-and-a-half-hours, the President laid out his vision for the Communist ruling party.

He said it was time for China to become “a mighty force” that would lead the world on political, economic, military and environmental issues.

“This is a new historic juncture in China’s development,” he added.

“The Chinese nation…has stood up, grown rich, and become strong – and it now embraces the brilliant prospects of rejuvenation. It will be an era that sees China moving closer to centre stage and making greater contributions to mankind.”

Mr Xi said China was "a great nation", adding: it has been through hardships and adversity but remains indomitable.

"The Chinese people are a great people; they are industrious and brave and they never pause in pursuit of progress."

Mr Xi became the chairman of the Communist party and therefore the leader of the nation in 2012.

Since Donald Trump has taken office, Mr Xi has sought to portray himself as a statesman and demonstrate that China is a responsible global power.

Additional reporting by agencies