China's top advisory body to amend its charter

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National Committee of the CPPCC in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 24, 2018. The meeting concluded on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is to amend its charter.

A draft of the amendment was passed by the Standing Committee of the 12th CPPCC National Committee, which concluded its 24th session on Wednesday.

The draft will be submitted to the 13th CPPCC National Committee for deliberation, said a statement issued after the meeting chaired by Yu Zhengsheng, the chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

The details of the draft amendment were not immediately disclosed. According to the CPPCC's website, its charter was last amended in 2004.

The move came after the CPC Constitution was amended last October and the state's Constitution is in the proces of amendment.

The meeting also passed a draft timetable and agenda for the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee. Members of the 13th committee were also chosen.

According to the statement, participants said the CPPCC has been closely following the spirits of the 18th and 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) national congresses, study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and has advanced the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The framework of political consultation, democratic supervision and the work of unity and liaison have all improved over the past five years, the statement said.

Yu said the progress could not be achieved without the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core.

He said the most important experience the CPPCC had drawn over the past five years was to uphold the CPC leadership and the principles of unity and democracy.

Yu urged the CPPCC to carry on its great traditions, study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and CPC decisions and plans, and do a better job.

The CPPCC National Committee also issued a letter, expressing gratitude to its members who will retire. It said the retirees would remain a treasure to the Party and the state and constitute an important force for the CPPCC's cause.