Xi extends greetings to non-CPC parties, invites valuable advice

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged non-communist parties to make greater contribution in accomplishing ambitious development goals in the new year.

Xi made the remarks at a gathering Friday in Beijing, extending Lunar New Year's greetings to all people from non-communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and those without party affiliations, an official statement said Saturday.

Xi said under the leadership of the CPC, Chinese people have overcome major risks and challenges, and made great achievements in improving national strength in terms of economy, science and technology, defense, and international influence, over the past year.

He said he appreciated the work and efforts of the non-communist parties and personages in providing valuable suggestions and ideas, and he expected even greater contributions from them in the new year.

Xi called for more consultation between the CPC and non-CPC political parties as one of the key aspects of the consultative democracy with Chinese characteristics.

Xi said the whole nation should be united as one in terms of development path, direction and goal, to better carry forward the implementation of the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements.

He also encouraged all members to serve the national goals set for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) for social and economic development and carry out the idea embodying an innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.

Consultative democracy is defined as a democratic pattern led by the CPC that sees all sections of society consulted on major issues before and during policy-making processes.

Xi said the non-communist parties and personages can serve as an abundant think tank, and he called for more valuable advice, especially on major and difficult issues concerning economic development and comprehensive deepening reform.

He also invited democratic supervision from the non-CPC parties and individuals to ensure the sound performance of significant policies and reform measures.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli attended the event to mark the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 8 this year.