The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference ("CPPCC"), China's top advisory body, includes local and national committees whose members come from all ethnic groups, major political sectors and major special interest groups throughout the country. Representing the principle of multi-party cooperation under the leadership of the Communist Party, the CPPCC provides advice on social issues and exercises democratic supervision over the government.
The National Committee of the CPPCC meets in March just before the National People's Congress in Beijing. It includes both CPC and non-party members including members from the democratic parties allied with the CPC. When the National Committee is not in session, special activities for committee members are organized, including inspection tours of various localities and discussions on significant issues relating to political and social issues. The 10th CPPCC National Committee included 2,238 representatives, and the current Chairman is Jia Qinglin.
