Under the multi-party cooperation mechanism, the Communist Party of China works together with non-Communist parties to supervise each other. The China Democratic League 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 19th, 1941, in China's southwestern city of Chongqing, and was then restructured in September 1944. On the occasion of the 19th CPC National Congress, CGTN reporter Meng Qingsheng sat down with Mr. Song Weizu, deputy director of the CDL's Beijing Branch, to discuss China's growth and his party's cooperation with the CPC.

 

SONG WEIZU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR BEIJING BRANCH, CHINA DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE "I joined the China Democratic League back in 2002. Its main responsibilities include taking part in the administration and discussion of state affairs, democratic supervision, and the political consultancy led by the CPC. As a political party, we work together with the CPC to promote China's social and economic development. We support each other, but also supervise each other. Of the eight political parties in China, the China Democratic League's members come from sectors like culture, higher education, and science and technology. As a common practice, we focus more on issues like technological innovation, cultural creativity, and the cultivation of talent."

 

CHINA'S POLITICAL PARTIES China Democratic League works together with CPC MENG QINGSHENG "Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the CPC has adhered to the principle of Democratic Consultation, which involves discussions on major affairs with other political parties. Based on your personal experience, how do you understand this principle?"

 

SONG WEIZU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR BEIJING BRANCH, CHINA DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE "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. With this principle of Democratic Consultation in place, the China Democratic League 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."

 

CHINA'S POLITICAL PARTIES Song: Democratic Consultation a basic political system

 

MENG QINGSHENG "General Secretary Xi Jinping expressed at the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era of development. As a member of the China Democratic League, what are your thoughts on that?"

 

SONG WEIZU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR BEIJING BRANCH, CHINA DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE "I have long been working in the design industry, and have studied design as well. I think for Chinese people living in this modern society, their longing for a better life has shifted from material fulfilment to a spiritual and cultural sphere. 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. 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, 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 innovations in various sectors and eventually help the public enjoy a better life."