CPPCC convenes annual session, stresses unity, democracy(2)

In regards to its future work, Jia said the CPPCC should better play its role as an important channel for promoting consultative democracy by enriching the forms of consultation and improving the consultative system.

"We should actively assist the Party and government in the work of getting the people to voice their demands, coordinating their interests, and safeguarding their rights and interests," Jia said in his report.

Jia said the CPPCC must "firmly stay focused on the themes of unity and democracy" to consolidate social harmony and vitality.

"Unity and democracy are the historical foundation of the creation and development of the CPPCC," Jia said, adding that they constitute the hallmark of the political advisory body.

An editorial published Sunday by the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the ruling Party should tolerate different opinions or even sharp criticism.

Meanwhile, all democratic parties and CPPCC members should tell the truth, give forthright admonition and good suggestions to the Party, and be its outspoken and loyal friends, said the editorial.

"Unity produces strength, and democracy creates vitality," Jia said, noting that unity and democracy need to be incorporated into the the work of the CPPCC.

In his speech, Jia said the political advisory body should maintain close contact with CPPCC National Committee members from Hong Kong and Macao to get them to play positive roles in building their special administrative regions.

Exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan should be enhanced to cultivate more common interests for peaceful growth of cross-Strait relations, Jia said.

He also noted that the CPPCC should help deepen China's relations with other countries through new channels and high-level visits.

Top Party and state leaders Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli attended the opening meeting.

Founded in 1949, the CPPCC consists of elite figures of the Chinese society who are willing to serve the think tank for the government and for the country's legislative and judicial organs.

As an open forum where the ruling CPC, non-Communist parties and people without party affiliation discuss state affairs freely and on an equal footing, the CPPCC has been the manifestation of China's socialist democracy.