Under the multi-party cooperation system, the Communist Party of China (CPC) works together with non-Communist parties to supervise each other. 

The China Democratic League (CDL) is one of the eight non-Communist parties in China that participates in state affairs under the leadership of the CPC. The party was established on March 19, 1941, in China's southwestern city of Chongqing, and was then restructured in September 1944.

On the occasion of the 19th CPC National Congress, Mr. Song Weizu, deputy director of the CDL's Beijing Branch, discussed with CGTN about China's growth and his party's cooperation with the CPC. 

Song joined the CDL back in 2002. He said that its main responsibilities include taking part in the administration and discussion of state affairs, democratic supervision, and the political consultancy led by the CPC.

Of the eight political parties in China, the CDL's members come from sectors like culture, higher education, and science and technology. 

As a common practice, they focus more on issues like technological innovation, cultural creativity, and the cultivation of talent. “As a political party,” Song added, “we work together with the CPC to promote China's social and economic development. We support each other, but also supervise each other.”

The deputy director also commented on the principle of Democratic Consultation, which involves discussions on major affairs with other political parties. 

In his words, Democratic Consultation is a basic and complete political system in China. The CPC would consult with other political parties, mass organizations and religious groups, among others, when it decides to issue key documents and make crucial personnel arrangements. By doing things this way, it effectively facilitates mutual supervision, speeds up China's democratic progress, and enhances China's working efficiency.

Song mentioned during the interview that with this principle of Democratic Consultation in place, the CDL has put forth several proposals and suggestions, such as the establishment of a zoo in northeast China protecting tigers and leopards, as well as the launch of Beijing Design Week and the City of Design, among others.

Song Weizu has long been working in the design industry, and he studied design too. With socialism with Chinese characteristics having entered an era of development, Song holds that for Chinese people living in this modern society, their longing for a better life has shifted from material fulfillment to the spiritual and cultural spheres. Therefore, it has become a pressing issue to seek better ways of developing cultural industries, and meeting the demands of people's cultural consumption and experience.

He said that General Secretary Xi Jinping noted in his report that culture is the soul of a nation, and efforts should be taken to promote cultural undertakings, and innovation of the cultural industry. 

In fact, Song explained, design is a mixture of science, technology, culture, arts and economy. It produces goods and services that cater to people's needs. In this new era of development, design can be used to promote innovation in various sectors and eventually help the public enjoy a better life.‍