China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Tuesday urged his colleagues from the private sector not to lay off workers to help maintain social stability amid the global economic turmoil.

Jia, Chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said this in a report delivered at the second session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, which convened on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People in downtown in Beijing.

"National Committee members from the non-public sector of the economy should be encouraged to shoulder their share of social responsibilities," according to the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

"Advisors should try their best to refrain from laying off any employees, cutting salaries or withholding wages, so as to create a harmonious labor relationship," said Jia.

China's ideal of building a "harmonious society" is facing a stern challenge this year, thanks to massive unemployment as a result of the financial crisis, arising awareness of civil rights and the help of the Internet for common people to voice their grievances.

According to media reports, the ongoing CPPCC session and upcoming session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will have deputies and advisors from more than 150 listed companies.

These companies account for about 10 percent of the firms listed on the yuan-denominated market. They include executives of large financial companies such as China Life Insurance (Group) Company and Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China.

Jia also urged political advisors from the ethnic minorities and religious circles to play a unique in the strive for ethnic unity and religious harmony.

The top political advisor also expressed support for the government's handling of unrest in Tibet and other parts of the country.

"We unequivocally support the Party and government's handling of the violent crimes rioting, looting and burning committed in Lhasa, and other places in accordance with the law," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2009)