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)