CPPCC will redouble efforts to support reform and opening up

Wang Guoqing, spokesman of the first session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2018. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday afternoon, one day ahead of its annual session. [Photo: Xinhua/Xing Guangli]

Over two thousand members of China's top advisory body have gathered in Beijing for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee annual meeting, which starts tomorrow.

Talking about the upcoming session, a spokesperson said the CPPCC will redouble its efforts to support the implementation of China's reform and opening-up policy and other national strategies both at home and abroad.

CRI's Li Yi has more.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

Spokesman for the CPPCC annual session, Wang Guoqing, said the advisory body will continue to provide advice in support of deepening reform through its role as a platform for consultation and deliberation of political affairs.

"CPPCC members have made recommendations for reform and opening up based on key tasks of policy, as well as greatest concerns of the Chinese people. The CPPCC plays an irreplaceable role in deepening reform and opening up. In the New Era, the CPPCC will closely unite around the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, and stay committed to redoubling efforts to make recommendations to deepen reform," said Wang.

The reform of State-Owned Enterprises is high on the agenda of both the central government and local authorities this year.

Wang Guoqing said that the process of reform has improved the asset allocation of State-Owned Enterprises, along with the quality of their development. He said that reform must continue so that they can become world-class.

"I want to stress that the merger and restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises is in accordance with legal rules and market principles and the companies' need for development. Therefore, it is a market driven process. The assertion that the reorganization of State-Owned Enterprises will create monopolies is not accurate," said Wang.

The spokesman also rebutted the claim that China is using so-called "sharp power" as a political weapon against Western countries.

Wang Guoqing said this claim is biased and reflects a double standard. He called on all countries to avoid confrontation and to work together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

"In the world today, countries, in particular major countries, should work to facilitate exchanges between peoples and build a new type of international relationship featuring win-win cooperation and a community of shared future for the mankind, instead of estranging from and defaming each other with a confrontation mindset," said Wang.

The CPPCC annual conference marks the start of China's parliamentary season every year, which also includes the plenary session of the country's top legislature, the National People's Congress.