1st LD-Writethru: Xi celebrates Spring Festival with non-communist figures

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the upcoming Spring Festival with non-Communist figures Thursday, stressing development of a consultative democracy.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli also attended the event, together with leaders of the eight non-Communist political parties, personages without party affiliation and representatives from industry and commerce.

Wan Gang, chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party Central Committee and minister of science and technology, delivered a speech on behalf of non-Communist figures, saying they will further assist the Communist Party of China (CPC) in advancing the rule of law and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Xi said under the leadership of CPC, China and its people, while facing a complicated international environment and an arduous task of promoting the country's reform, development and stability over the past year, have made great achievements in all aspects and cracked "hard nuts" in fields such as anti-corruption work.

Xi appreciated non-CPC organizations and figures for their contributions in making suggestions and advice for the country's overall reform, and asked for further support from them to the work in the new year.

The President called for more consultations between CPC and non-CPC political parties as one of the key aspects of the consultative democracy with Chinese characteristics.

Consultative democracy is defined as a democratic pattern in which, led by the CPC, all sections of society are consulted on major issues before and during policy-making processes.

Xi said CPC will make a more favorable environment for consultations and take a more open-minded and modest attitude in learning non-CPC parties' advice and suggestions in major state issues. Endi