A unique system of China's own choosing

Top legislator Wu Bangguo has just wrapped up his three-nation tour to Russia, Austria and Italy. Apart from enhancing the all-round relationship between China and the three countries, his visit is significant in terms of fostering friendly relations between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the parliaments of these countries.

During the visit, Wu attended meetings under the framework of the regular exchange mechanism between the NPC and the Federation Council (Upper House) and between the NPC and the State Duma (Lower House) of Russia respectively. A highlight of his visit to Italy is the signing of an agreement on the establishment of a regular exchange mechanism with the Senate of the Italian Parliament over and above the existing arrangement with its Chamber of Deputies.

So, why have Western parliaments become interested in maintaining a regular exchange relationship with the NPC despite the difference between congresses and parliaments?