The central authorities of major non-Communist organizations in China have sent congratulatory letters to mark the convening of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday, speaking highly of the CPC's leadership in advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics.

These organizations include eight non-Communist parties: Revolutionary Committee of Chinese Kuomintang, Chinese Democratic League, China National Democratic Construction Association, China Association for Promoting Democracy, Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, China Zhi Gong Party, Jiu San Society and Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League. The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) is also listed as an important non- Communist force in China's political structure.

The non-Communist parties and the ACFIC attributed the achievements China has made over the past five years to the leadership of the CPC and pledged to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, unswervingly emancipate the mind, advance reform and opening-up, thoroughly implement the Scientific Outlook on Development, and build China into a moderately prosperous society.

These non-Communist institutions also vowed they would observe and improve the multi-party cooperative system and contribute more to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the principle of long-term coexistence, mutual supervision, treating each other with all sincerity and sharing weal or woe.

China's Constitution stipulates the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation, which allow non-Communist parties to participate in the discussion and management of state affairs under the leadership of the CPC.

In his keynote speech at the start of the CPC congress on Monday, Hu Jintao said that the CPC would "select and recommend a greater number of outstanding non-CPC persons for leading positions."

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2007)