China is a multi-national and multi-party country. Before the state adopts important measures or makes decisions on major issues having bearing on the national economy and the people's livelihood, the Communist Party of China, as the party in power, consults with all ethnic groups, all political parties, all circles and nonparty democrats in order to reach a common understanding. This system, called multi-party cooperation and political consultation system led by the CPC, is also a basic political system of China.

    The multi-party cooperation and political consultation system adopts two main forms. One is the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the other is the consultative meetings and forums of democratic parties and nonparty personages held by the CPC Central Committee or local Party committees at different levels.