The Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its fifth plenary meeting in Beijing on Jan 23. The meeting reviewed the committee's work in 2025 and outlined plans for 2026. Bater, vice-chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee, addressed the meeting.

The meeting acknowledged the committee's efforts in 2025 in conscientiously carrying out key tasks related to ethnic and religious affairs, strengthening self-improvement in a spirit of reform and innovation, and creating favorable conditions for its members to fulfill their responsibilities, making new progress across various initiatives.

The meeting stressed that, as 2026 marks the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), the committee will enhance study and research and strengthen disciplinary governance.

Focusing on achieving a successful launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan and advancing Chinese modernization, the committee's efforts will center on implementing the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements on ethnic and religious work and playing a foundational role in forging a sense of community for the Chinese nation and advancing law-based governance of religious affairs, according to the meeting.