Embracing "scientific development" and a "harmonious society", the top 350 leaders of China's Communist Party met in Beijing Sunday for the central committee's annual plenary session, the South China Morning Post reported. Over the next four days, the elite of the country's ruling party are expected to look for ways to weaken "disharmonious elements" in society. They will have to tackle issues such as the growing income gap and corruption. It is the first time the Central Committee has devoted a meeting to studying social issues, state media reported. Analysts said the focus of the meeting signals a shift by policymakers towards more sustainable economic growth and improved social welfare.