CPC asks non-communist parties about reform decision

BEIJING - Non-communist parties were asked for their opinions regarding a key reform decision, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee revealed on Wednesday.

On Sept 17, the CPC Central Committee held a symposium to hear comments and suggestions from non-communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as people without party affiliation regarding a decision on major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms, according to a CPC Central Committee statement.

The symposium was presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and attended by senior CPC officials including Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli.

The decision, which was approved by the CPC Central Committee at a plenary session on Tuesday, was endorsed by participants attending the symposium, according to the statement.

Participants of the symposium also put forward proposals regarding reforms in important sectors, China's development model and the mechanism for multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC.

During the symposium, Xi stressed the importance of deepening reform in China.

Comprehensive and deepened reform is necessary if China wants to address conflicts and issues that have surfaced during its development, pursue sustainable and healthy economic and social progress, as well as improve people's living standards, Xi said.

He said reform cannot be achieved overnight or accomplished once and for all, calling for strengthened confidence, greater political courage and wisdom, as well as more forceful measures to push forward the country's reform.

During the symposium, Xi called for improved top-level design and overall planning, and further research into the feasibility of China's reform.

The president also asked non-communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people without party affiliation to provide more forward-looking, strategic and feasible opinions and suggestions regarding the country's reform.