国内英语新闻:China National Democratic Construction Association to elect new leadership

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The China National Democratic Construction Association (CNDCA), one of China's eight non-communist political parties, will elect a new leadership at its 11th National Congress, which opened Saturday.

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice premier, met with the congress delegates and gave a congratulatory speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Wang said that the CNDCA had played a constructive role as a think tank in the past five years in the fields of urbanization, financial risks control and development of the Yangtze River economic belt.

"The CPC will uphold and improve the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation in accordance with the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress," Wang said. "In handling its relationships with other political parties, the CPC will adhere to "the principles of long-term coexistence, mutual supervision, sincere treatment with each other, and sharing the rough times and the smooth."

"The CPC would support these parties in performing their duties in accordance with the requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics for their participation in state affairs, and consolidate and develop the broadest possible patriotic united front," he said.

Wang called on the CNDCA members to "implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, fully understand the historic significance and rich connotation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, bring their close connection with business circle into full play and advise on key economic issues."

Chen Changzhi, executive chairperson of the congress presidium, called on CNDCA members "to learn the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress earnestly, implement new development concepts and contribute to the country's development," while delivering a work report on behalf of the 10th CNDCA Central Committee at the opening session.

At the congress, delegates will also hear and deliberate the work report of the party's 10th Central Committee, as well as review and approve an amendment to its constitution.

Chen Zhu, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, also delivered a congratulatory speech, on behalf of other non-communist parties and All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

The CNDCA was founded by patriotic industrialists, businessmen and intellectuals in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Dec. 16, 1945.