China's closely-watched Communist Party congress began on Sunday in Beijing, where President Xi Jinping is probably certain to begin a third term as party and military leader.

Approximately 2,300 delegates from throughout the nation gathered in the Great Hall of the People, where Mr. Xi delivered his political report immediately after a 10 a.m. opening ceremony.

The report will offer insight into the country's policy priorities and provide hints about potential changes to China's zero-Covid approach, the economy, Taiwan policy, push for common prosperity, and technological drive.

It will serve as China's road plan for the next five to ten years, and perhaps beyond.

Thousands of delegates and hundreds of journalists were transported by bus to Tiananmen Square on Sunday morning, where they were subjected to various layers of security checks.

In the Great Hall of the People, despite radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on accreditation passes, participants were required to frequently remove their face masks for verification.

Many people utilized the chance to take commemorative photographs and posed on the massive building's stairs and within the red-carpeted hall.

In recent weeks, security in the capital city has been dramatically increased, with visible police presence at practically every traffic intersection and bridge and red armband-wearing volunteers patrolling street corners.

The congress will give President Xi an unprecedented third five-year term as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, as well as usher in personnel and policy reforms.

During the week-long congress, approximately 2,300 delegates will elect the Central Committee's odd 370 members.

At its first plenum, the Central Committee will elect the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee — the most powerful body in China – along with 18 other Politburo members and the Central Military Commission.

It is anticipated that amendments to the party's Constitution will elevate Mr. Xi's political doctrine, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era, which was previously codified at the previous party congress.

Mr. Xi could receive titles such as "Navigator" and "People's Leader" from the congress, putting him on a level with Chairman Mao Zedong, who was known as a "Great Helmsman" and "Great Leader."

What Mr. Xi's political report has to say regarding Taiwan will be closely scrutinized, especially in light of the heightened tensions that have persisted since August, when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.

Political analysts predict that the report would not provide a timeline for Taiwan's reunification, which Beijing has claimed since the 1949 revolution.

China would not forsake its long-standing pursuit of peaceful reunification, but the Anti-Secession Law issued in 2005 necessitates the use of non-peaceful means if Taiwan formally declares independence.

A representative for the congress told reporters during a pre-conference news briefing on Saturday that Beijing is eager to continue working for Taiwan's peaceful reunification, but also reserves the right to use force if necessary.

Sun Yeli, Beijing's spokesperson, stated that Beijing is "willing to continue working with the utmost sincerity and exerting our greatest efforts to achieve peaceful reunification."

In answer to a query concerning an August-issued White Paper on Taiwan, Mr. Sun replied, "We do not promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the right to take all necessary measures."

Mr. Xi, determined to make reunification his most enduring legacy, would likely intensify reunification efforts following the conclusion of the session.

But his immediate focus would be on economic growth, employment, and enhancing the standard of living in China.