Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, solicits suggestions from NPC deputies at a symposium on April 18, 2022. [Photo/npc.gov.cn]

Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, held a symposium on April 18 with NPC deputies invited to sit in on the 34th session of the 13th NPC Standing Committee as non-voting participants.

Li urged the deputies to conscientiously carry out their statutory duties, faithfully represent the interests of the people, and give full play to their important role in the practice of whole-process people's democracy.

Fourteen NPC deputies shared their thoughts on performing duties at the symposium, which was also attended by Yang Zhenwu, secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee.

As an innovative move taken by the 13th NPC Standing Committee, this kind of symposium has been held 15 times since its inauguration in August 2018. In June 2019, the 32nd meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the 13th NPC Standing Committee adopted 35 measures to improve work related to NPC deputies, including a requirement to make the symposium a regular practice.

The top legislator attended all 15 symposiums, exchanging ideas with more than 700 NPC deputies from the grassroots level. The symposium has proven to be a new way to hear ideas from the deputies and voices of the people. The participants have raised more than 500 suggestions, which were all transferred to relevant departments for research and handling.