BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday called on political advisors to conscientiously perform their duties in 2017 and give more advice and suggestions on state affairs.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while addressing a New Year gathering held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Xi urged political advisory bodies to perform their functions of political consultation, democratic supervision, and participation in the deliberation and administration of state affairs.
The president hailed the CPPCC's contributions to the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) this year, the first year of the national economic and social development blueprint for the years up to 2020.
Xi stressed the importance of developing a patriotic united front and system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC in 2017 in order to gather consensus and "positive energy" for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The CPPCC should make efforts to deepen problem-oriented investigation and research, and carry out effective consultation and discussion of state affairs, so as to come out with forthright advice, good suggestions and concrete measures, he said.
Xi vowed to support the efforts of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in 2017 to develop their economies and improve people's livelihoods.
"We must ensure the practice of 'one country, two systems' is firmly upheld without losing shape or becoming distorted," Xi added.
He also pledged adherence to the 1992 Consensus as the common political foundation, as well as relentless efforts to boost the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, and to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland.
"We will hold high the banners of peace, development, cooperation and mutual gain to build a human community of shared future," Xi said.
In his speech, Xi highlighted the 19th CPC National Congress to be held in 2017, calling it a major event in the political life of the Party, the state and people of all ethnic groups.
He also stressed 2017 as an important year for implementing the country's economic and social development blueprint for the 13th Five-Year Plan period, and deepening supply-side structural reform.
Looking back, Xi said, 2016 was a crucial year in the journey of the Chinese nation to great rejuvenation.
The CPC Central Committee, rallying and leading people of all ethnic groups across China, embarked on the "great march" in the decisive stage of building a moderately prosperous society, launched the uphill battle of supply-side structural reform, and "sounded the bugle to call the charge" on poverty, Xi said.
China has scored a good beginning for the 13th Five-Year Plan, the president added.
China has continued to build a moderately prosperous society in 2016, with its economic growth still ranking atop the world, and an additional 10 million people lifted out of poverty, Xi said.
The country has carried on deepening reform in all aspects, with 97 key reform tasks completed, 419 reform plans put forward by various sectors, and frameworks for reform in major sectors established, he added.
Moreover, efforts have been made to carry on with comprehensively advancing the rule of law and governing the Party strictly, Xi said, adding major breakthroughs have been scored in national defense and military reform.
"We have implemented the 'one country, two systems' principle comprehensively, maintained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, adhered to the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus, and strived to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Xi said.
"We have deepened foreign relations in all dimensions, accelerated the Belt and Road Initiative, successfully hosted the G20 Hangzhou Summit, and handed out a Chinese proposal for building a better world," Xi added.
On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, State Council and CMC, Xi extended New Year greetings to non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, non-CPC personnel, people's organizations, as well as people from all walks of life, including workers, farmers, intellectuals, cadres, soldiers and police officers.
His greetings were also extended to compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese, as well as international friends.
The gathering was also attended by Premier Li Keqiang, top legislator Zhang Dejiang, top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng as well as Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, along with non-CPC members, leading officials of central departments, members of different ethnic groups and people from all walks of life.
Yu Zhengsheng presided over the gathering.