The Communist Party of China consults with non-Communist parties and figures on major state principles and key policies. This process is an important way for the CPC to enhance its governance. At the first CPPCC press conference today, leaders of China's non-CPC parties said the government should allow more criticism.

Leaders of the eight Democratic Parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce met the press on Wednesday afternoon. Four of them were newly elected last year.

Chen Zhu, Chairman of Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, said, "I was elected chairman in December last year. Our peasants and workers democratic party provides consultation services regarding medicine, education, and legal assistance. And we have made great contributions to the development of the overall healthcare, economy and society."

Outside of his party, the Chairman is also China's minister of health. And he's not the only non-CPC affiliated person that holds important posts in the government. The eight non-Communist parties have over eight hundred thousand members. Mainly consisting of professionals and academics across the sectors, overseas Chinese who have returned to China, people with links to the former Kuomintang (KMT) party, and Taiwan residents. 4 percent of them work in government departments above county level.

After the CPC's own leadership transition in November, the eight parties held their own national congresses and elected new central committees. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping met with them in December. Xi had said the ruling party should be able to accept sharp criticisms. His remarks have been well regarded by the media as a sign for stronger social democracy in the future. When asked about this trend, other party leaders say they want more.

Chen Changzhi, Chairman of Democratic National Construction Assoc., said, "In the future, non-CPC parties should also be allowed more freedom of information on CPC affairs. And there should be a feedback system, through which we can find out how criticisms have been received."

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