The Jiu San (September 3) Society, one of China's
eight non-Communist parties, held a conference in Beijing
Tuesday marking the 60th anniversary of its
establishment.
The activities of the society over the last
60 years have proven that it is an experienced and close friend of
the Communist Party of China (CPC), Jia
Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),
said on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.
"The Jiu San Society plays an important part not only in the
construction of socialist economy, politics and culture, but also
in the cause of national unification and rejuvenation," he
said.
The opportunities and challenges China is facing not only affirm
the firm leadership of the CPC, but also the joint efforts made by
all Chinese people, including the non-Communist parties, he
noted.
Han
Qide, chairman of the central committee of the society and vice
chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC),
also recalled the history of the party, and called on members to
exert efforts in building an affluent society and realize the great
rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Honorary medals were also conferred?on outstanding
grassroots organizations and its senior members.
Attendees at the conference included representatives of other
non-Communist parties.
The Jiu San Society was formed in 1944 as "Society of Democracy
and Science,"?and changed to present name in 1945.?Its
political stand was to carry on the tradition of democracy and
science, oppose the civil war and practice democratic politics.
Its present agenda stipulates that organizationally, the society
draws members from representative middle and senior level
intellectuals in the fields of science, technology, higher
education and medicine. It stands for multi-party cooperation and
political consultation, democratic centralism and safeguarding the
rights and interests of members. The society now has 80,000
members.
(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2005)