Ahead of the Lunar New Year, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sat down with leaders from non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as personages without party affiliation, on Monday, hailing their firm stance with the CPC facing COVID-19 global challenge.

"Despite the adverse effects of the epidemic, you have used various ways to carry out in-depth democratic supervision of poverty alleviation and thereby contributed wisdom and strength to the completion of poverty alleviation tasks in the corresponding provinces and regions," Xi told the group in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

China also saw the successful conclusion of the 13th Five-Year Plan, drew up the blueprint for the 14th Five-Year Plan, and made historic achievements in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, Xi said.

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He emphasized that the year 2021 marks the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, with the country embarking on a new journey of fully building a modern socialist country. Also, grand celebrations will be held to mark the CPC's centenary.

Xi expressed the hope that non-CPC personages will contribute with their suggestions on the new development stage, philosophy and paradigm.

He also called upon them to preserve the political character of pursuing a common goal with unity and working together with the CPC.

Xi announced that a campaign will be launched this year within the CPC on studying the Party's history.

He urged people from other political parties and public figures with no party affiliation to view the CPC's centenary as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation with the Party and enhance their self-improvement.

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China's Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the country's most important holidays. Xi meets with the non-CPC personages and extends his festival greetings ahead of the holiday every year.

As the CPC marks its 100th anniversary this year, the Party hopes to open a new chapter of multi-party cooperation, Xi stressed, while urging stronger ties between parties.

Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang Wan Exiang attended the gathering and hailed the "great accomplishment" that the CPC and the country has achieved in 2020 under Xi's leadership. 

On behalf of the non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and public figures without party affiliation, Wan vowed to unite around the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core, keeping the initiative of cooperation and continuing to march forward.

(With input from Xinhua)