On Monday, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central
Committee's Political Bureau held a meeting to discuss how to
further strengthen multi-party cooperation and political
consultation under the leadership of the CPC.
The move is of "great importance" to developing socialist
democracy, maintaining social stability and unity and building a
harmonious society, said the meeting.
Chaired by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu
Jintao, the meeting discussed a draft of guidelines put forward by
the CPC Central Committee.
"Practice has shown the system conforms with the situation in
China and possesses great superiority and strong vitality," the
meeting said.
They noted that since China's reform and opening to the outside
world, important progress has been made in promoting cooperation
between the CPC and democratic parties.
The democratic parties and people without party affiliation have
been playing a greater role in political and government affairs and
democratic supervision, it added.
The meeting stressed that development should be the fundamental
task of multi-party cooperation and political consultation.
Cooperation with democratic parties and those without party
affiliation should be strengthened and alliances consolidated.
Promotion of socialist political culture must continue to
develop in the light of China's unique conditions.
The meeting agreed that achievements elsewhere in the world
should be drawn upon, but that China should "never totally imitate
other countries' modes of political system."
The guidelines discussed at the meeting have taken into
consideration the opinions of democratic parties and
representatives without party affiliation. They will be officially
issued after further soliciting their views.
(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2005)