Jia Qinglin (C Front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), addresses the fourth meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Senior members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) met Wednesday to discuss the agenda of the annual conference in March.

    Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, presided over the meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th CPPCC National Committee.

The fourth meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    During the three-day meeting, the senior political advisors will set an agenda for the Second Session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, discuss and approve a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, and study a report on the handling of proposals put forward by CPPCC members at last year's annual meeting.

    The CPPCC reflects China's "multi-party cooperation system" under the leadership of the CPC.

    The CPPCC committees at different levels have representatives from different political groups, ethnic groups, and people of all walks of life.

Political advisor's refusal of luxury hotel strikes national chord

    GUANGZHOU, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- It was a small gesture, but with the global financial crisis rippling into China, Gao Deliang's refusal to accept luxury accommodation while attending an official political event has struck a chord throughout the country.

    A group of more than 20 political advisors in south China's Guangzhou City discussed Wednesday whether accommodation at a five-star hotel was necessary during their ongoing annual session. Full story

Chinese lawmakers meet, reviewing major draft laws, amendments

    BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature began discussions Wednesday of several major draft laws and amendments which include the topics of food safety and criminal law.

    The seventh session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), opened in Beijing Wednesday, presided over by Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee. Full story