The chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang Huning, on Wednesday said it had to do its best to help kick-start the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

He made the comment at the closing ceremony of the top national advisory body's annual session, where President Xi Jinping and other state leaders were on hand.

"The CPPCC shall understand our positions and our duties and to find key points to serve the general development situation of the 15th Five-Year Plan and to give full play to its dedicated consultative functions," Wang said.

"[We shall] lead the various political parties and organisations and people from all ethnic groups and all sectors of societies and rally people's hearts, build consensus, pull wisdom, gather strength, and serve the 15th Five-Year Plan."

Wang said the body had to insist on the leadership of the Communist Party of China, make better proposals and play a better role in political organisation.

He said the CPPCC had to further enhance its working mechanisms for uniting hearts and minds and gathering forces through the united front.

It should carry out theoretical advocacy, news publicity, external exchanges, and outreach to various sectors of society.

Wang added the body had to help the Party and the government in promoting policies, addressing concerns, smoothing public sentiment, and resolving conflicts.

Before his speech, the body voted to pass several resolutions, including the work report from its Standing Committee.



Edited by Tony Sabine