Xi calls on advisers to pool wisdom

As the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference celebrates its 75th founding anniversary, President Xi Jinping has urged the nation's political advisory body to rally the people's support, build consensus, and pool wisdom and strength in promoting Chinese modernization.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Friday at a meeting held in Beijing celebrating the anniversary.

The first plenary session of the CPPCC was held in Beijing from Sept 21 to 30, 1949, as an enthusiastic response to the CPC's call for "all the democratic parties, mass organizations, and community leaders to immediately convene a political consultative conference to discuss the convening of a conference of people's representatives and setting up of a democratic united government".

As a key mechanism for multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, the CPPCC has played a major role in the promotion of socialist democracy, with CPPCC members serving as advisers for the government and legislative and judicial organs by putting forward proposals on major political and social issues.

Xi said at the meeting that it has been proven through practice over the past 75 years that the CPPCC is a scientific, effective and practical institutional arrangement with distinctive political value in the development of political systems.

"We believe that under the strong leadership of the CPC, the CPPCC will certainly make new and greater contributions to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization," he said.

Xi said the CPPCC should continue to promote the CPC's unity and cooperation with other political parties and public figures without party affiliation, through coordinated actions.

The specialized consultative body should leverage its advantages of gathering talents and intelligence and focus on key and difficult issues in areas such as comprehensively deepening reform and promoting high-quality development, Xi said, urging the political advisers to help promote the implementation of major Party and government decisions.

In order to expand common ground and the convergence of interests for national rejuvenation, Xi stressed the importance of strengthening communication with groups such as intellectuals who are not Party members on political issues and promoting extensive unity with compatriots overseas.

He said it is necessary to improve the working systems and mechanisms of the CPPCC to better reflect public opinions, connect with the people and serve the people.

Xi also urged the CPPCC to strengthen the competence of its members by improving their understanding of the CPPCC's work and their ability to participate in political consultation and deliberation of State affairs, and ensuring that its members abide by discipline and rules and act with moral integrity.

The 14th National Committee of the CPPCC has a total of 2,172 members in 34 participating groups, representing various sectors of society in China. Many of its members are experienced political figures, social celebrities, and experts and scholars specializing in various fields.