In 2001, the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee focused its work on the themes of unity and democracy in line with the country's central work. Efforts were made to conscientiously perform its functions of political consultation, democratic supervision, and participation in and discussion of State affairs, and organizing the implementation of tasks set by the Fourth Session of the Ninth CPPCC National Committee.

¨CMaking proposals for implementation of the 10th Five-Year Plan.

As 2001 was the first year for the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05), the Standing Committee took ensuring the smooth implementation of the plan as the central aspect for CPPCC members' participation in discussion and administration of State affairs. It encouraged CPPCC members to make proposals by holding standing committee meetings, special symposiums and other meetings, and passed their opinions, suggestions and criticisms on to relevant departments. It held a joint meeting attended by chairpersons of its special committees, at which 10 research subjects in relation to reform and construction were designated. It organized CPPCC members to conduct inspections and investigations at grass-roots levels in more than 20 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and achieved remarkable results.

Discussing laws and policies to be formulated is a major aspect in the work of CPPCC special committees. In 2001, they organized discussions on draft laws and amendments put forward by NPC special committees and draft policy decisions submitted by relevant departments of the State Council for soliciting opinions, with opinions fed back in a timely manner.

¨CMaking suggestions for safeguarding people's interests and maintaining social stability.

The Standing Committee pays attention to difficult issues of great concern to CPPCC members and the people. For instance, it sent a standing committee inspection group to Anhui Province to investigate pilot rural tax-for-fee reforms. Based on the investigation, a 10-point proposal was put forward covering such issues as improvement of the reform experiment, prolonging of the pilot period, and expansion of the scope for the reform experiment. Regarding the issue of poverty relief in urban areas, the Standing Committee held a symposium with participants from 29 provincial-level committees of the CPPCC. The symposium discussed problems currently facing poverty-relief efforts in urban areas and made suggestions on ways to help the urban poor, including expanding employment channels, strengthening social security, and regulating the order of income distribution.

¨CIntensifying efforts to reflect public opinions.

In 2001, CPPCC members exerted great enthusiasm in reflecting public opinions. Through various channels they submitted more than 1,500 pieces of information and handled over 14,500 letters and visits. Their efforts contributed to the solution of problems such as salary payment arrears, resettlement, public order, ecological environmental protection, and medical care. These won great acclaim from both CPC leaders and ordinary people.

¨CStrengthening contact with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese.

The Standing Committee has conscientiously implemented the principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems," and strengthened unity and contacts with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese. In 2001, it organized a series of activities marking the 90th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911, calling for concerted endeavors by Chinese people at home and abroad for fulfillment of the great cause of reunification of the motherland at an early date and realization of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

It also did its best to promote cross-Strait economic, cultural and personnel exchanges. On invitation, it sent delegations to Japan and Australia to participate in activities promoting China's peaceful reunification. It also sent delegations with relevant organizations to call on overseas Chinese living in four South American countries.

¨CConducting multi-level friendly contacts.

The Standing Committee has conducted diplomatic activities in line with the country's overall arrangement of diplomatic work. In 2001, CPPCC Chairman Li Ruihuan paid friendly visits to Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco, Turkey, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Several vice chairpersons led delegations on visits other countries, or participated in international meetings. During the year, 21 CPPCC delegations visited 36 countries and the CPPCC Standing Committee received 23 visiting groups. By March 2002, CPPCC had established friendly ties with 147 organizations from 87 countries and six international and regional organizations. By publicizing China's system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, it helped enhance the international community's understanding of China, making positive contributions to creating a favorable international environment for China's socialist modernization drive.