White paper lauds country's party system

Document says China won't impose political structure on other nations

China's unique political party system has displayed unquestionable strength and vitality in the country's political and social life, and the country won't blindly imitate other political party systems or impose its own system on any other country, a white paper said.

China has adopted the political party system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Through consultation among political parties, participation and deliberation in the administration of State affairs, and democratic oversight, the system pools ideas and suggestions to ensure informed and democratic decision-making, according to the paper: "China's Political Party System: Cooperation and Consultation" released on Friday.

"The system represents the fundamental interests of the peoples of all ethnic groups and social sectors rather than only a select few or vested interests," Xu Yousheng, deputy head and a spokesman of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at a news conference in Beijing after the document was released.

"It can prevent political parties from acting in their own interests or in the interests of the regions or groups they represent," Xu said.

In addition to the CPC, there are eight other political parties in China's unique party system. The system also includes prominent individuals without affiliation to any of the political parties. The non-Communist parties aren't in opposition, nor are they bystanders or outsiders.

Their roles include the administration of State affairs, consultation on major principles and policies as well as fielding candidates for important leading positions as well as assisting with the formulation and implementation of State policies, laws and regulations, according to the white paper.

Xu said non-Communist parties can independently carry out their work and perform their functions and duties in accordance with their own rules. Also, their status and their right to participate in the administration of State affairs are respected by the CPC and protected by the Constitution, he added.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in late 2012, 172 meetings and symposiums have been held by the central leadership, the State Council and ministries for all parties to discuss State affairs together, of which 37 were presided over by President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, according to Zhang Jian, director of the research office of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Also, members of non-Communist parties have drafted more than 730 pieces of advice on key issues such as the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, Zhang said.

Full text: "China's Political Party System: Cooperation and Consultation"