Zhao Qizheng, spokesman for the 2nd session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) explained China's political consultation system in an interview with China.org.cn, and also gave his views on the main topics that will be debated a this year's NPC and CPPCC sessions.
Zhao Qizheng was minister of the State Council Information Office from 1998 to 2005. His works include America and Americans through Chinese Eyes, Riverside Talks (with co-author: Luis Palau) and 101 Stories for Foreigners to Understand Chinese People.
"Foreigners do not understand China's political consultation system. We should be clear that it is different from the House of Representatives. They have a bicameral system. But the basis of the political system in China is multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, through the National People's Congress and the People's Political Consultative Conference," Zhao said.
"In China, major policies are implemented and leadership appointments made after being discussed at CPPCC," Zhao added.
The top political advisory body consists of leaders of China's political parties, social groups, ethnic minorities and people from different walks of life, who accurately reflect the opinions of ordinary people in society.
In addition to political consultation, the advisory body also has the function of democratic supervision. If there are problems in policy implementation, they put forward criticisms, undertake inspections and submit inspection reports to the central government.
In addition, the advisory body also takes part in the management of state affairs. The members of the political advisory body come from different provinces around the country. They are outspoken and insightful and are very concerned about issues relating to people's livelihood. For example, issues concerning migrant workers, medical care, transport and so on.
The advisory bodies make valuable suggestions to help the ruling party and government in their work, and they play an important role in China's political system, said Zhao.
"Among CPPCC members, leaders from different walks of life account for the majority. Their vivid and professional way of describing the condition of modern China helps the country get its message across overseas," Zhao said.
"During an official goodwill four-nation visit of Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC, to Jordan, Turkey, Laos, and Cambodia in November 2008, leaders discussed the global financial crisis. We said China is taking measures to tackle our domestic situation and wants to co-operate internationally to combat the crisis," Zhao said, "This kind of tour is positively received because it includes both official and non-governmental opinions."
Talking about the 2nd session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, which starts on March 3, Zhao Qizheng said the global financial crisis and its influence on China would be the hot topic.
"Exports and GDP obviously decreased in the fourth quarter of last year. We still expect China to achieve its 8 percent growth target this year, but with the global financial crisis, the whole world, not just the CPPCC, is looking closely at the Chinese government's measures."
(China.org.cn by Ma Yujia, March 2, 2009)