Recently, some members of the Western media have been smearing China by saying Beijing exerted influence on Western countries through the so-called "sharp power." [Special coverage]
China's top advisory body hit back on Friday, saying that some Western powers are treating China with prejudice, discrimination and hostility, and calling it essentially a new version of the "China threat theory."
Wang Guoqing, spokesperson for the first session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"In all countries around the globe, especially the major powers, efforts should be made to promote harmonious and inclusive exchanges and to build a new type of international relations with a win-win cooperation as the core," stressed Wang.
We should make concerted efforts to "build a community with a shared future for mankind" rather than estranging from each other with confrontational thinking, added the spokesperson.
Agenda of the body's annual session
The first session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC is to start at 1500 BJT Saturday and to conclude on the morning of March 15, said Wang.
The main agenda of the session is to listen to and deliberate the work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on proposals from last year's session, he noted.
Political advisors are expected to attend the first session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) as non-voting participants, hearing and discussing reports, including a government work report, according to Wang.
He added that they will discuss a draft revision to China's Constitution and a draft law on supervision.
The session is also set to adopt an amendment to its charter and a political resolution and elect the new leadership of the body.
Reviewing past work and looking into the future
Wang said in the past five years, the CPPCC has strengthened its function of political consultation and democratic supervision, and enhanced the construction of performance capacity.
Speaking of the expectations in the next five years, Wang said the report of the 19th CPC National Congress has outlined a series of new thoughts and demands for the development of the socialist consultative democracy.
"The CPPCC will study the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and contribute to the great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics," noted Wang.
40th anniversary of the reform and opening up
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up policy. The spokesperson said that the CPPCC has firmly supported and actively participated in the reform and opening up.
Speaking of opening up in economy, Wang said China will be more open to the world.
"We will strengthen the connection with international economic and trade rules, substantially ease market access and expand the service sector, especially the financial sector, so as to create an attractive domestic investment environment. We firmly believe that a more open market in China will make more important contributions to global development," noted Wang.
China-Japan ties
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and recently there are signs of warming bilateral ties.
Wang calls for both sides to cherish the moment, push bilateral ties to the track of normal development as soon as possible and pave the way for high-level exchanges.
