Li calls for way to ensure NPC, CPPCC are fully representative amid outbreak

New ways will be adopted for deputies and political advisers to express their opinions and make suggestions during this year's two sessions, including via video-link, phone calls and the internet, to ensure all representatives can fully participate against the backdrop of containment measures related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Plans for this were adopted at the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.

This year's full session of the National People's Congress, the nation's top legislative body, will open in Beijing on May 22. It had been postponed from early March due to the outbreak. The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top advisory body, will open on May 21.

"It is highly important for the government to readily subject itself to supervision in accordance with statutory procedures, and listen to views and suggestions from NPC deputies and CPPCC members during this year's two sessions," Li said.

It was pointed out during the meeting on Wednesday that heads of State Council departments attend meetings of NPC deputies and CPPCC members during the two sessions each year to hear and address their advice and suggestions on the central government's work. This reflects the government's readiness to subject itself to public oversight, and is also an integral part of the government's efforts to build public consensus and promote sound and democratic decision-making.

The highly complex and challenging situation this year requires the government to do more to pool the wisdom and strength of NPC deputies and CPPCC members, and translate their views and proposals into policy measures to overcome difficulties and improve government performance.

Given the continued COVID-19 containment measures, the meeting called for adopting new ways for NPC deputies and CPPCC members to express their opinions and make suggestions, including via videolink, phone calls and the internet.

"NPC deputies and CPPCC members are extensively representative as they come from across the country and all walks of life. They provide an important channel for the government to learn more about the conditions of the people and their expectations. Considering this year's containment requirements, we must think up new ways to hear their views," Li said.

The meeting directed each government department to set up a special task force headed by its leading official and a hotline for NPC deputies and CPPCC members operated by designated staff members.

The government must not let changes in the format impede how NPC deputies and CPPCC members can express their views and suggestions, Li stressed.