Guo Jun, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, gave a warm welcome to diplomats from the EU Delegation to China and embassies of more than 20 EU member states in China during a lively exchange on Feb 16.

The CPPCC National Committee sees it as an important mission to deepen friendly exchanges with other countries and serve the country's overall diplomatic work. The event was held for envoys from European countries to learn about China's basic political system and the CPPCC's role and functions amid efforts to promote international exchanges and cooperation.

Before the meeting, the diplomats visited an exhibition on the CPPCC's history over a span of over 70 years. It showcased valuable historical photos, documents and relics, such as the birth of the national emblem and anthem and a personal letter sent by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai inviting Soong Ching Ling to the first plenary meeting of the CPPCC National Committee in 1949.

Li Ruiyu, who has long engaged in China's cooperation with Europe, introduced the role of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, one of the 10 special committees of the CPPCC National Committee, such as carrying out the democratic supervision of the enforcement of opening-up measures identified in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). Noting China remains committed to developing its relations with Europe, Li said he hopes both sides can seek common ground while reserving differences and promote ties on the principles of mutual respect and understanding.  

Maria Linder, head of political affairs at the EU Delegation to China, expressed appreciation for the visit organized ahead of the annual session of the CPPCC National Committee and the chance to learn more about China's multi-party cooperation system and the CPPCC system.

The visiting diplomats raised various questions. The first secretary of the German Embassy in China was interested in how the CPPCC assists the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government in promoting democracy and unity. Diana from the EU Delegation wondered if the CPPCC has conducted a study on China's real estate tax. Frida Wallin, first secretary for political affairs at the Embassy of Sweden in China, wanted to know what channels are available for the public to engage in the CPPCC's discussion of issues.

Han Dongmei, deputy director of the Research Office of the CPPCC National Committee's General Office, said consultative democracy, an important form of whole-process people's democracy in China, refers to extensive consultation of people from all walks of life to build a broad consensus both before making major decisions and during the implementation of the decisions. She added that consultative democracy is a continuous process that ensures people can exercise their rights.

Peng Liwen, deputy director of the Office of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee, said important fiscal and financial issues have always been research priorities covering the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, the exchange rate of the RMB, the transformation of the manufacturing industry, and carbon neutrality.

In raising the final question, Ivaylo Iordanov, minister counselor of the Bulgarian Embassy in China, asked about the relationship between the annual sessions of the CPPCC National Committee and the National People's Congress (NPC) and the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress.

Guo said that since a people-oriented stance is the CPC's fundamental political feature, it is necessary to listen extensively to the voices of the people and truly reflect their aspirations before the CPC congress. Meanwhile, NPC deputies and CPPCC members share the same foundation when representing the people's will in the discussion of State affairs.

Over the years, members of the CPPCC National Committee have contributed to the country's most important projects, such as the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the historical proof for adopting the phrase "14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45)" rather than eight-year used in the past, and the building of national parks.

Now the CPPCC National Committee has formed a variety of consultation forms, such as standing committees on certain topics, thematic seminars, bi-weekly consultation meetings and teleseminars. It has also created mobile platforms for members to better perform their duties and engage in reading, which have already attracted the participation of more than 2,000 members.

Li Xiaoyan, director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the CPPCC National Committee's General Office, Shen Huiping from the Office of the Committee on Proposals of the CPPCC National Committee, and Wang Xiaoyao, deputy director-general of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, also participated in the exchange. The CPPCC National Committee will organize more such exchanges this year for expats from European countries.