Xi calls on political advisors to offer suggestions, build consensus for Chinese modernization

BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited national political advisors from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), the sector of science and technology, and the sector of environment and resources, who are attending the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on the afternoon of March 6. Xi participated in their joint group meeting, and listened to their comments and suggestions. He emphasized that political advisors from different political parties, organizations, ethnic groups, sectors, and all walks of life should focus on the major strategic tasks laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress and the arrangements made at the Central Economic Work Conference, conduct in-depth fact-finding missions, actively put forward suggestions on state affairs, and build broad consensus, so as to help advance Chinese modernization.

As International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, is approaching, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended festive greetings and best wishes to female deputies to the National People's Congress, female members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, and female staff members, who are participating in the "two sessions," to women from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the country, to female compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and the Taiwan region, and to Chinese women overseas.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, joined Xi on the visit and in the discussion. Wang and Cai are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

At the joint group meeting, political advisors Xia Xianpeng, Tian Hongqi, Wu Jianping, Zhao Yuliang, Huang Miansong and Hu Songqin talked about how to boost cross-Strait cooperation on industrial and supply chains, how to unswervingly promote the complete reunification of the motherland, how to leverage core internet technologies to bolster the country's strength in cyberspace as well as the country's high-quality development, how to promote the industrial application of scientific and technological innovation and the high-quality development of eco-environmental protection industries, and how to intensify the treatment of new pollutants, among other topics.

Xi listened attentively and delivered an important speech later. He said he enjoyed discussing and exchanging ideas with the political advisors, as well as listening to their opinions and suggestions. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended sincere greetings to political advisors present, their fellow members from the RCCK and those from the sector of science and technology and the sector of environment and resources, and all CPPCC members.

Xi stressed that 2023 was the first year to implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress on all fronts. Adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, the CPC Central Committee united and led the whole Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups in resolutely shifting the approach to Covid-19 prevention and control, sparing no efforts to promote economic recovery and further growth, and advancing Chinese modernization with determination. As a result, China fulfilled all the main goals for its economic and social development in the past year, taking solid steps in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. These achievements did not come easily; they were the outcome of collective and persistent endeavors of the Chinese people from all ethnic groups, and also a reflection of the dedication and wisdom of the CPPCC members.

Xi pointed out that in the past year, the RCCK carried out a theoretical study program with the theme of "consolidating foundation by strengthening cohesion and forging soul, marching forward in unity on the new journey." It actively participated in political consultation, and the deliberation and administration of state affairs. It continued to participate in the democratic supervision of ecological and environmental protection along the Yangtze River, and actively promoted cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges. Those in the scientific and technological sector actively supported and participated in the reform of the scientific and technological system, and devoted themselves to scientific and technological innovation. Those in the environment and resources sector played a positive role in promoting the green transformation of the development mode by giving full play to their professional strengths.

Xi stressed that the RCCK should further identify its positioning, allow full play to its strengths and take the initiative in the work related to Taiwan affairs. He called on the RCCK to better unite all patriotic forces that can be united both at home and abroad, and both within Taiwan and outside, so as to constantly expand the front against "Taiwan independence" and for reunification, and jointly advance China's peaceful reunification. Xi also called for efforts to actively promote exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait in sectors such as science and technology, agriculture, people-to-people contact and the development of young people, and advance integrated development in all fields across the Strait.

Xi noted that political advisors from the sector of science and technology and all the science and technology personnel should further enhance their aspiration to invigorate and build China into a thriving country through science and education. He called on them to shoulder the mission of scientific and technological innovation, strengthen basic research and basic research in applied sciences, achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and foster new drivers for developing new quality productive forces.

Xi encouraged them to put forward practical suggestions to facilitate the deepening of reform in the scientific and technological system as well as reform of systems and mechanisms for talent development. The suggestions should also help improve the appraisal system and the incentive mechanism for scientific and technological advances, so as to further stimulate the creative potential of all types of talent.

Xi called for new contributions from CPPCC members from the sector of environment and resources to strengthening eco-environmental conservation and supporting high-quality development with high-level protection. He also called for efforts to secure red lines in developing and protecting territorial space, and improve the region-specific system for eco-environmental management, so as to further consolidate the ecological foundation for high-quality development. Xi noted that efforts must be made to fully and accurately implement the guidelines for lawful, targeted, and science-based pollution control, promote green and low-carbon transition in economic and social development, strengthen conservation, efficient utilization and recycling of resources, expand the approach to realizing the value of ecological products, and actively and prudently work toward peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, so as to foster new growth drivers and new strengths for high-quality development.

Xi pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC's establishment. The CPPCC should carry forward its fine traditions, bear in mind its political responsibilities, strengthen theoretical and political guidance, boost the institutional development of the specialized consultative body, and strengthen self-improvement. CPPCC members should improve themselves and their ability to perform their duties to keep breaking new ground in the work of the CPPCC and the cause of multiparty cooperation in the new era.

Shi Taifeng, Zheng Jianbang, Hu Chunhua, Wang Dongfeng, and He Baoxiang, among others, were present.