China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said Thursday it is crucial to stick to and perfect the half-century-old people's congress system in order to expand socialist democracy and improve the socialist legal system.

"To enhance socialist democracy and the legal system is in line with the internal demand of the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is the fundamental guarantee for lasting stability and durable peace and is the common task of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

History proves that the people's congress system is the best way to enable the Chinese people to be masters of their country, said Wu at a high-level symposium. The congress system has also guaranteed the common people their fundamental interests, as well as ensuring China overcomes its various challenges and hardships, he added.

Wu said a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics centered on the Constitution has taken shape in China and greatly promoted and safeguarded the country's reform, opening up and modernization drive.

China will adopt a proactive attitude toward the fruits of mankind's political civilizations, said the chairman. However, it would not discriminately copy Western political systems, rather it will resist the pervasive political hostility of the West.

He said the people's congresses and their standing committees at all levels are facing an increasingly burdensome task with the development of a socialist market economy as well as a socialist democracy and legal system.

Under this new situation, the chairman urged that the people's congresses perform well in the following five aspects.

Firstly, to stick to the leadership of the CPC.

Through the work of the people's congress system, the Party's propositions could be endorsed as the will of the entire nation and leaders recommended by the Party could be installed after corresponding legal procedures, Wu said.

Secondly, Wu urged that the people's congresses weave the important "three represents" into their practical work.

Thirdly, to stick to the ideals of socialist politics.

"The Party and Chinese people are confident of their choice and would stick unswervingly to the political construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics."

Fourthly, the people's congresses should work to the utmost to represent the interests of the people, Wu said. Everything the congresses do should reflect public opinion and represent their will.

Last but not least, the congresses should focus on the overall situation of the Party and the nation, he said.

"The congresses must concentrate their efforts to resolve the focal or thorny issues that relate to the interests of the people during social development and reform."

(China Daily September 17, 2004)