China will improve its multi-party cooperation and political consultation and bring the role of overseas Chinese, returned overseas Chinese and Taiwan compatriots into full play, said a senior Chinese leader.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made these remarks during his study tour of east China's Fujian Province between October 14 and 20.

He said the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Decision on the Enhancement of the Party's Governance Capability, adopted at the Fourth Plenum of the 16th CPC Central Committee, raised new ideas and thoughts to improve the work of the CPPCC.

The CPPCC should work for developing China's socialist democracy and help the Party and government guarantee social stability and create a harmonious society, he added.

The CPPCC should resolutely adhere to the basic principles of peaceful reunification and "one country, two systems," and promote the implementation of the eight-point proposal on peaceful reunification, Jia said.

Jia noted that Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese with a patriotic tradition are important forces to the revival of the Chinese nation and reunification of the motherland.

The CPPCC will close its economic cooperation with the Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese while better protecting their legal rights and interests, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2004)