Key to CPPCC's success at 75

Editor's note: Xin Ge, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a research fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Governance, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), and an associate professor at the School of Public Economics and Administration, SUFE. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

A meeting celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was held in Beijing on September 20.

At the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, addressed that "the CPPCC is an innovative political system involving political parties, prominent individuals without party affiliation, people's organizations, and people from all walks of life and all ethnic groups under the leadership of the CPC."

The CPPCC has played a pivotal role in every historical epoch, from the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the socialist revolution, construction and reform. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), it has consistently upheld the principles of unity and democracy.

The first plenary session of the CPPCC convened in Beijing in September 1949, against the backdrop of China's historic national independence and liberation. It marked the formal establishment of a patriotic united front and a multi-party cooperation and political consultation system under the leadership of the CPC.

In the years that followed, the CPPCC supported key government initiatives such as land reforms, and its efforts were crucial in restoring and developing the national economy, consolidating the newly established people's government, and laying the foundation for socialist institutions.

After the first National People's Congress in 1954, the CPPCC continued to serve as a vital force in China's political and social spheres. It contributed to the completion of socialist transformation, harnessing diverse social forces to achieve national objectives. It fostered political vibrancy, managing internal dynamics within the united front, and expanding China's international exchanges.

Following the third plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, the CPPCC worked to mobilize all positive factors and unite all forces and contributed significantly to maintaining a stable and harmonious political environment. It promoted the principle of "one country, two systems," advancing peaceful reunification and fostering diplomatic engagement.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the Party Central Committee has placed great emphasis on the development of the CPPCC, strengthening the CPC leadership across ideological, political, organizational, operational, and institutional lines.

From 2014, the CPC Central Committee began to annually review reports by the CPPCC and its leadership bodies, and this practice has become a key institutional arrangement for upholding and enhancing the CPC's comprehensive leadership.

In 2018, the principle that "the leadership of the CPC is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics" was enshrined in the Constitution of the PRC. That same year, the CPPCC held its first Party-building symposiums, outlining the major tasks required to strengthen the Party's role within the organization.

In October 2018, the CPC Central Committee issued a directive to enhance Party-building efforts in the CPPCC, and in 2019, a landmark Central Conference on CPPCC Work took place, the first of its kind in CPC history.

Internally, the CPPCC has implemented stringent measures to uphold Party duties, with the Party Committee of the CPPCC enhancing its leadership over the CPPCC's specific and subordinate committees. Mechanisms have been established to ensure the Party Committee members of the CPPCC maintain close contact with representatives from various sectors and that Party members engage with non-Party members. Communication and outreach efforts with intellectuals, private sector representatives, and emerging social groups have been intensified.

In 2023, over 400 one-on-one dialogues were conducted between Party Committee members of the CPPCC and non-Party members, along with 11 special inspections for non-Party members. Additionally, 828 CPC members within the CPPCC established contacts with 1,157 non-Party delegates. These institutional initiatives strengthened the political awareness of non-Party members and broadened consensus around the Party's policies.

The CPPCC's 75-year history demonstrates that CPC leadership is the cornerstone of its success. As one of China's most significant political institutions, the CPPCC needs to continue to implement the decisions and directives of the CPC Central Committee and contribute to accomplishing the Party's core missions, while harnessing the collective wisdom and strength of the Chinese people to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

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