CPPCC Begins Its Annual Session In Beijing

The annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference opened in Beijing on Thursday, with its chairman, Wang Yang, saying the CPPCC will "unswervingly support the principle of having patriots rule Hong Kong".

In his work report, Wang also said the advisory body will support patriotic education for young people in Hong Kong and Macau.

The session is held alongside the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, which opens on Friday. The parliament is widely expected to discuss how Hong Kong's electoral system can be reformed to prevent any "non-patriots" from holding positions of authority.

Wang emphasised that this year is the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party and said there will be a focus on strengthening theoretical and political guidance, Xinhua News Agency reported.

He also said Beijing wants to improve the effectiveness of consultation, further "pool wisdom and strength", and raise work performance.

Gu Shengzu, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said a total of 5,974 proposals for new legislation or regulation have been submitted by delegates since the previous annual session. (Additional reporting by Xinhua)