Over 400 members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) gathered at a tea party in Beijing January 28 to greet the Chinese lunar New Year.

The party was chaired by Liu Zhongde, chairman of the CPPCC Subcommittee of Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports.

In his speech, Vice Chairman Song Jian of the CPPCC National Committee sent his greetings to all those in the country involved in the fields of education, science, culture, and health and sports. Over the past year, many achievements have been made in these areas, he added.

Song also expressed gratitude to all those overseas Chinese and foreigners who care for and support China.

He voiced the hope that all those working in the above-mentioned fields will continue to contribute more to the country's progress and the well-being of the people.