Li gets advice from non-Communists

China will intensify its efforts to win the three tough battles－preventing major financial risks, targeted poverty alleviation and reducing pollution－to meet the public's new expectations with higher quality development, Premier Li Keqiang said.

Li made the statement while chairing a symposium to solicit opinions for the draft of this year's Government Work Report from representatives of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and those without party affiliation in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on Wednesday.

Ten representatives of the three groups made suggestions on a wide range of issues, including preventing financial risks, intensified efforts on environmental protection, wider promotion of new energy, deepening medical reforms and better protections for intellectual property rights.

Li expressed his gratitude to non-Communist parties, the federation and those without party affiliation for their consistent support and assistance to the work of the central government.

"Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the country has made enormous economic achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core," Li said.

"Our achievements in the past five years contain condensed efforts and ideas from all of you," he said.

While China maintains a solid foundation for stable and positive social and economic development this year, it still faces hardships and challenges, Li said, urging the government to fully implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress while sticking to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era for better quality growth.

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy, Li said that concrete efforts to achieve a healthier economy would be one of the best ways to honor the basic State policy.

Every year, listening to suggestions from the groups on the Government Work Report at drafting stage gives play to the important role of the socialist consultative democracy, as it is an important procedure for the State Council to receive democratic supervision, he said.

"It is important to synergize advice and wisdom from all fields to improve the government's decision-making and democratic decision-making," he said.

He stressed that the Government Work Report should ensure that it reflects the best common desire of the people.

Wan Gang, chairman of China Zhigong Party, who also is minister of science and technology, suggested to the premier a stronger promotion of new energy and more consistent policy support.

"Fighting against pollution will be a key in securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in 2018. New energy will not only contribute as a new growth driver of the economy, but, more importantly, to reduce pollution," he told the premier.

This year will mark the midpoint of a five-year government plan running from 2016 to 2020, during which the central government aims to add at least 50 million urban jobs and cut energy intensity by 15 percent, among other goals.