Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. Today, we are holding the 19th press conference under the theme of "China in the past decade." We have invited Ms. Chen Xu, deputy director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Ms. Zou Jiayi, deputy secretary general of the CPPCC National Committee. They will brief you on the progress and achievements in upholding and improving the system of CPC-led multi-party cooperation and political consultation in the new era. Also joining us today are Mr. Zhang Jing'an, vice chairman of the Committee on Proposals of the CPPCC National Committee, and Mr. Sang Fuhua, head of the Bureau of Non-CPC Political Parties Work of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Now, let's give the floor to Ms. Chen for her introduction.

Chen Xu:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, good morning. At the end of last month, from July 29-30, on the centenary of the CPC's clear identification of its united front policy, the CPC Central Committee convened the Central Conference on United Front Work. General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on advancing the Party's united front work in the new era is the most important theoretical outcome of the conference. General Secretary Xi called for "12 musts" in his speech, which include that we must uphold, develop and improve China's new model of political party system. That is, the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the new model of political party system has made new progress in line with the new era, demonstrated its unique strengths in the country's political and social spheres, and provided China's wisdom and solutions to the development of global political civilization. I would like to share with you the following aspects:

First, over the past decade, the top-level design regarding the new model of political party system has become clearer. The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has implemented the strategy of national rejuvenation within the context of global changes of a scale unseen in a century, included upholding and improving the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC into the Party's basic policy. It stated clearly that the system is a new model of political party system; that other political parties are participating parties in state governance under Chinese socialism, with basic functions of participation in and deliberation on state affairs, democratic oversight and CPC-led political consultation; and that multi-party cooperation shall take new momentum, build more consensus and undertake new initiatives to fulfill its duties. Other political parties should act as the advisors, assistants and partners of the CPC. These new theories, ideas and propositions have systematically answered major questions including "what kind of multi-party cooperation system and participating parties should we develop in the new era" and "how should these goals be achieved?" The new model of political party system is clearly oriented, and has become a good system which is making steady progress.

Second, over the past decade, the framework of the new model of political party system has been better developed. To advance the work of political consultation, enhance socialist consultative democracy and improve other political parties' participation in state governance, the CPC Central Committee has formulated specific intraparty regulations and multiple important documents, supported and assisted other political parties in enhancing themselves, and issued a series of important documents concerning the development of the organizations, building of the leadership and internal supervision. Now, we have put in place an institutional framework based on the Constitution, focusing on intraparty regulations and documents, and supplemented by supportive policies. The new model of political party system is working smoothly and has become a well-equipped good system.

Third, over the past decade, the political consensus under the new model of political party system has been consolidated. We have supported other political parties in studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, launched initiatives on the theme of "Renewing Cooperation and Forging Ahead Together," and conducted education and learning activities on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the centenary of the CPC, and the 70th anniversary of the "May 1st slogans" to uphold the good tradition of multi-party cooperation. In the new era and on the new journey, the CPC has united and led other political parties and prominent figures without party affiliation to overcome various risks and challenges, fight shoulder to shoulder, and build the broadest possible consensus. The new model of political party system has brought harmony and stability and become a good system conducive to building consensus.

Fourth, the new model of political party system has become more effective. Other political parties and prominent figures without party affiliation have kept in mind the country's most fundamental interests, actively fulfilled their duties, shared valuable advice on promoting prosperity for all, pursued the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and other important issues, and conducted democratic oversight of poverty reduction efforts and the protection of the Yangtze River ecosystem. They have demonstrated their unique strengths and contributed their wisdom. Many of their opinions and suggestions have been translated into the Party's and the country's decisions and plans. Amid the great transformation of the past decade in the new era, the CPC has exercised strong leadership, while other political parties and prominent figures without party affiliation have stood firmly by and acted together with the CPC. The new model of political party system has pooled wisdom and strength and become a good system with unique charm.

To sum up, history and practice have fully shown that the new model of political party system is a brand-new model of party politics in line with China's realities and featuring unique characteristics. We are fully convinced that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the new model of political party system, as a good system with China's distinct vision, style and values, will further demonstrate extraordinary strengths and make more solid progress. Thank you.