Wang Yang, newly elected chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), called on the country's political advisers to build a "most extensive patriotic united front" that strives for the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.[Special coverage]
Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks on Thursday in a speech at the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee.
The CPPCC is China's top political advisory body.
'Biggest common denominator'
Wang, who succeeded Yu Zhengsheng as China's top political adviser on Wednesday, said the country is now "closer, more confident, and more capable than ever before of making the goal of national rejuvenation a reality."
He called on CPPCC members to devote themselves to the "common goal" and seek the "biggest common denominator" to unite all Chinese people toward that goal, regardless of their party affiliation, ethnic groups, social status and beliefs.
Underscoring the CPPCC's nature, he said it is not an organ of state power, but a platform for multiparty cooperation and political consultation led by the CPC, which he described as a "new type of party system growing from China's soil."
In Wang's words, the CPPCC takes part in policies but not the making of policies, makes suggestions not decisions, and conducts supervision not enforcement. Its role is to exert political influence through consultations, he stressed.
To play the role well, Wang encouraged CPPCC members to enhance their capabilities to conduct field studies and make valuable proposals.
Upholding CPC's leadership and serving the people
CPPCC members must uphold the CPC's leadership and take a people-centered approach in performing their duties, Wang said.
Addressing more than 2,000 political advisors, he reiterated that the leadership of the CPC is the "defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics" – a statement recently added into China's Constitution.
The CPC's leadership is the "fundamental guarantee" for the progress of the CPPCC's course, he said, urging its members to voluntarily accept the CPC's leadership and safeguard the core status of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.
"Working for the Chinese people's well-being and the national rejuvenation is the CPC's original aspiration and mission," Wang added. "It is also the CPPCC's original aspiration and mission."
He called on CPPCC members to make contributions to China's economic, political, cultural, social and ecological advancement, and help all citizens benefit from the country's reform and development.
Wang announced the conclusion of this year's CPPCC session, which kicked off on March 3.
