Delegates to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which ended in Beijing yesterday, voted to enshrine in the Party Constitution the "scientific outlook on development" and other strategic thoughts advanced since 2002.

The amendment takes effect immediately.

The scientific outlook on development was proposed by the 16th CPC Central Committee in 2003, against the backdrop of rapid economic growth and a series of problems including excessive consumption of resources, damage to the environment and a widening gap between rich and poor.

The scientific outlook on development "takes development as its essence, putting people first as its core, comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development as its basic requirement, and overall consideration as its fundamental approach," according to the amendment to the Constitution, unanimously passed by more than 2,200 delegates at yesterday's closing session.

The scientific outlook on development is described as a continuation and development of the important thoughts on development advanced by the three generations of the Party's central collective leadership and a concentrated expression of the Marxist world outlook and methodology with regard to development.

"It is a scientific theory that is in the same line as Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents and keeps up with the times," the resolution said.

Yan Shuhan, a researcher with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the resolution is the leading theoretical development since the 16th congress in 2002, and a key part of the theoretical system on building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Professor Lin Shangli, of Shanghai's Fudan University, said it is a clear sign the Party has mapped a development path well into the future.

It indicates the Party has a clearer understanding of its mission and objectives, Lin said.

Delegate Wang Yongchang, from Shaoxing, said the amendment will improve the vanguard nature and governance capability of the Party.