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Over 5,000 legislators and political advisors gather in Beijing for the sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The gathering is more than a mere legislative exercise. It represents China’s brand of democracy, featuring the Party’s leadership, the people running the country, and law-based governance.

Some Western observers often overlook or ignore the extensive consultation involved. Opinions from diverse groups — including experts, entrepreneurs and netizens — are solicited through various channels for the government work report before the NPC’s annual session.

The Great Hall of the People echoes with diverse voices channeled through legislators and political advisors. This inclusive approach is seen as the hallmark of a functional democracy.

Whole-process people’s democracy is a true democracy that works.

In response to suggestions and proposals raised during last year’s “two sessions,” the State Council introduced over 2,000 policies and measures, addressing key economic and social challenges. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, for instance, acted on 962 suggestions and proposals, leading to substantial employment and entrepreneurship initiatives.

China is also innovating in terms of democratic participation. Last year, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee expanded its local legislative outreach offices, ensuring direct representation of local voices in national lawmaking.

Public engagement in the drafting of laws is evident, with draft laws open for public comment through the website of the NPC in 2023.

NPC deputies address diverse issues, from local infrastructure needs to industry development, enhancing citizens’ sense of happiness and fulfillment. The CPPCC is an integral part of China’s system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. It promotes unity and strengthens multiparty cooperation.

China’s approach to democracy emphasizes people-centered development and ensures people take part in democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management, and oversight.

China’s approach to democracy contributes to maintaining unity and stability and achieving economic growth, in contrast to the political and social divides in some Western nations.

According to a survey by France-based consulting group Ipsos last year, approximately one in two people in countries including the United States and Britain are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in their countries.

No democratic model is universal or perfect, nor is democracy a once-and-for-all cause. The political system that suits a country best is the most appropriate. China’s creation of its own democratic system has explored a new path for the development of human democracy.

As the myth of Western democratic supremacy is fading, China’s whole-process people’s democracy offers a distinct perspective on governance and alternative insights for global development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in the preface he wrote to the reading materials for the sixth group of trainee officials.

Noting that Chinese modernization opens a new path for humanity toward modernization and creates a new form of human advancement, Xi said it is both a glorious historical mission and a severe realistic test for the Party.

Xi underlined efforts to truly master the key skills of Marxism and to ensure political unity and unity in action with a high-level unity in thinking.

He also urged comprehensively enhancing the officials’ political competence as well as their leadership caliber and working ability in line with the advancement of Chinese modernization.

The purpose of learning the Party’s theoretical innovations is to apply them to practice, Xi noted.

Xi further emphasized the necessity for officials at all levels to maintain their focus on addressing obstacles hindering high-quality development, addressing issues drawing public grievances, and resolving prominent problems in the process of Party building.

“Efforts should be made to effectively prevent and diffuse major risks and work in innovative ways, thus transforming the blueprint mapped out at the 20th CPC National Congress into reality,” Xi said.

The reading materials for the sixth group of trainee officials, currently awaiting publication, consist of nine publications. Among them, four books are intended for theoretical study, while five focus on selected cases concerning the promotion and expansion of Chinese modernization. These cases span a range of topics, including the economy, education, rule of law, culture, and national security.

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Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, China and Sierra Leone have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests, carried out efficient cooperation in the field of economic and social development, and maintained close coordination on international affairs, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has said.

It is believed that this visit will inject new impetus into the comprehensive and in-depth development of China-Sierra Leone ties, and push for more achievements in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

With the theme of “Media Perspective on Conflict Resolution,” this event aimed to sharing the ideas of peace journalism, bringing out collective voice of international network of media for peace, and suggesting future action plans to appeal to people in globe to have peace in their minds. Among the contributors, 6 speakers delivered addresses on the role of media in building peace, peace-related issues, peace journalism and global security.

Innocent Yuh, Regional coordinator of Cameroon Association of Media Professionals (CAMP) South West Region Cameroon, pointed out the need for discussion on peace journalism. “In navigating the delicate tapestry of conflict and discord, Peace Journalism emerges as a beacon of clarity, an instrument of empathy, and a catalyst for meaningful change. Peace Journalism unfolds as a conduit for open dialogue, providing platforms for varying perspectives, and cultivating a deep engagement with the multifaceted nature of conflict a resolution,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of the code of ethics for peace journalism, Hendry Nursal, Editor-in-Chief of Jambidaily.com, stated, “Journalists must be able to be present at the events. We cannot deny that the media must strive to be in a position to remain a source of correct information and present it professionally according to rules such as code of ethics. This ensures that journalists are responsible in their profession, specifically searching for and presenting information.”

Ihor Shevyrov, Journalist and Lawyer of Ukraine, appealed to the participants on the role of peace journalism in creating foundation for resolving the conflict. “The war in Ukraine poses threats to the entire global security. It should also be emphasized that not only states are influential “players” in strengthening global security. This is also the interest of civil society and civil society institutions. Peace journalism helps to establish communications between parties in conflict,” he said.

Lok Bahadur Chaudhary, Founder Publisher and Editor of Hamarpahura.com, suggested practical approach by journalists for peacebuilding by saying, “We not only raise awareness but also inspire individuals to actively engage in the pursuit of peace, hastening the realization of a peaceful world. Regular reporting of global peace events should be a monthly endeavor in each country.”

Regarding the positive role of social media by individuals for peacebuilding, Oral Ofori, Founder of TheAfricanDream Company, said, “Social media enables people from different cultures and backgrounds to engage with one another directly. Interactions on these digital platforms, when used positively, can foster a global community that works collectively towards peace and mutual understanding. Grassroots reports have brought attention to conflicts that might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unreported.”

“By 2022, 60% of the public believes that the news they receive contains bias or even disinformation. In its meaning and principles, peace journalism is a journalism practice that aims to minimize conflict, promote dialogue, and help build peace in society. HWPL is the only international non-governmental organization that calls on all media to promote peace,” said Rana Setiawan, Chief Reporter of Mira Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The host organization, HWPL, is globally engaged in initiatives not only in journalism but also in peace education, interfaith dialogue, youth and women’s activities, and the establishment of international law for peace. As HWPL continues to champion peace journalism, the event resonates as a call for a media effort, urging all media outlets to embrace their role in fostering a world united in pursuit of lasting peace.

The concept of people-centered governance has long been a central tenet of Chinese culture. The original aspiration and founding mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Serving the people wholeheartedly has been the fundamental purpose of the century-old Communist Party of China (CPC).

In October 2015, Xi proposed the philosophy of people-centered development for the first time at a key meeting of the CPC. He later said it is a philosophy that should be followed in “everything we do in advancing economic and social development.”

Xi himself has always placed the people at the forefront of his heart. He treats the “little things,” such as warm accommodation, hot meals, fresh air, and even rural toilet facilities, not as trivialities but significant aspects of his state governance.

Under Xi’s leadership, China has successfully helped around 100 million people leave absolute poverty behind in less than a decade, winning the battle against absolute poverty in the country with 1.4 billion people. In doing so, the country has achieved the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

In China, the average life expectancy of its people has reached 78.2 years, and over 1 billion people are connected to the internet. Furthermore, the country has established the world’s largest education system, social security system, and healthcare system.

“Our goal is both inspiring and simple. Ultimately, it is about delivering a better life for the people,” Xi said.

Xi made a significant judgment in 2017 that China’s economy had been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development.

He noted that China had reached a critical stage in transforming its growth model and was faced with prominent problems such as rising labor costs, growing constraints from resources and the environment, unsustainable models of extensive development, and impediments in the economic flows.

Since then, pursuing high-quality development has become a key requirement for Chinese authorities when formulating economic policies, leading to sweeping changes including rapid technological advancement, burgeoning green industries and wider market access for foreign investors.

In essence, high-quality development means a change from seeking growth to seeking better growth.

In Xi’s view, high-quality development is the kind of development that can meet the people’s ever-growing desire for a better life. It reflects the new development philosophy featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.

During China’s annual central economic work conference last December, Xi said: “It is imperative to uphold high-quality development as the unyielding principle of the new era.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited residents in Tianjin, including villagers affected by floods last summer, and talked with shop owners and employees at an ancient culture street during his inspection tour in the municipality from Feb. 1 to 2.

Since assuming the Party’s top post in November 2012, Xi has made it a tradition to spend time with members of the public ahead of the Spring Festival, especially those in disadvantaged groups, extending festive greetings to them.

During past visits, he has brought gifts of festive goods, joined local people making festive foods, and practiced Spring Festival customs.

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Xi has been joining various people in the preparation of foods during his inspection trips ahead of the Spring Festival.

During this time of year, the residents of Shenshan Village in Jinggangshan City, east China’s Jiangxi Province, are always busy preparing glutinous rice cakes known as “ciba.” The flat, round sweet treats symbolize family gatherings and are believed to bring good luck for the new year.

Inspecting the village tucked away in the Jinggangshan Mountains before the 2016 Spring Festival, Xi joined a group of locals who were making ciba. After pounding the glutinous rice with a mallet for some time, Xi joked that doing so for more than 10 minutes each day could be a good workout.

Before the Spring Festival in 2019, Zhu Maojin’s family welcomed Xi into their home to make dumplings during his visit to the old “hutong” neighborhoods in central Beijing. Dumplings, a festival necessity, embody best wishes for an auspicious future.

Xi chatted happily with locals as he made dumplings with them, asking about their festival purchases and the improvements to their living conditions following a renovation project.

During an inspection trip in north China’s Shanxi Province in January 2022, Xi joined Shi Hongbing and his family as they were preparing “nianmo,” a local type of steamed bun that carries blessings for the Spring Festival. Xi visited them in their new home, which was built after the area was hit by floods months before.

Twisting dough into a strip, curling both ends to resemble a flower and placing two dried jujubes on top, Xi made his own nianmo. As he examined the various shapes and colors of the local treats he and Shi’s family had made, he said, “They make people feel that each year is moving upward, and they represent our people’s aspirations for better lives.”

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“I care particularly about grassroots officials and the people as we ring in the new year,” Xi once said. Ahead of the festival, he has offered goods and advice to the people he has visited during his multiple inspections.

The day before the eve of the 2013 Spring Festival, Xi paid a visit to the temporary home of steel fixer Fan Yong at a construction site of Beijing Subway Line 8.

Xi asked the migrant worker about his income and living conditions, suggested that he take his family to tour Beijing during the holiday, and gave Fan’s 6-year-old daughter a pink schoolbag as a gift.

During his pre-festival tour in February 2015, Xi met with old acquaintances in Liangjiahe Village in Shaanxi Province, where he had spent seven years as a teenager and young man.

“Xi brought festival essentials for locals, including rice, flour, meat and cooking oil, as well as Spring Festival couplets and paintings,” Zhang Weipang said, recalling the reunion with his old friend.

Xi brought not only presents with him on these trips, but also solutions to poverty and the wisdom of the importance of cultural preservation.

In January 2017, Xi visited Zhangbei County in north China’s Hebei Province. At the home of farmer Xu Haicheng, Xi spoke with Xu and his family to calculate the ways by which they could escape poverty.

“Sitting on our sofa, the general secretary counted every single one of our incomes and expenses, and helped us figure out how to increase our wealth,” Xu said, remembering the day he had welcomed Xi into his home. “He encouraged us to grow and expand the potato industry.”

Following Xi’s advice, Xu’s family was lifted out of poverty the next year and the village has been improving.

Before the Spring Festival in February 2021, Xi traveled winding mountain roads to arrive at a small village inhabited by people of the Miao ethnic group in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

He entered a workshop that had been established to help locals overcome poverty, and the exquisite, handmade Miao embroidery garments and ornaments caught his attention.

“Miao embroidery is traditional, but it is also fashionable,” Xi said. He encouraged the people in the workshop to carry forward their craft.

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Over the years, Xi has also shown a keen interest in local festive customs during his pre-festival inspection tours.

In January 2020, he paid a visit to Simola Wa Village, a 500-year-old Wa ethnic group village in Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. In a village square, he beat a wooden Wa drum three times in accordance with local customs to wish for bumper harvest, peace and prosperity.

Simola means “a place of happiness” in the local language. For villager Li Fashun, Xi’s visit to his home was one of the happiest moments in his life.

“I have trouble walking. When I went up to greet him, the general secretary gestured from way off in the distance, reminding me to move slowly. I felt warmth instantly,” Li recalled.

During his pre-festival trip to Shanxi in 2022, Xi traveled through mountains, crossed the Fenhe River and traveled down a meandering road to arrive at Duancun Village in Fenxi County. In the village’s cultural square, he watched a vibrant “yangko” dance attuned to locally renowned music played live and mainly using gongs and drums. Xi hailed the performance, calling the local art and culture truly magnificent.

Inspecting Tianjin’s Ancient Culture Street on Feb. 1, Xi joined locals and tourists enjoying dragon dance and lion dance performances. There, Xi extended lunar new year greetings to the residents of Tianjin and people of all ethnic groups in the country.

Noting that the coming lunar new year is the Year of the Dragon, Xi said that in Chinese culture, the dragon has connotations such as courage, infinite vitality and good luck, and carries people’s aspirations for the future. “Everyone should have confidence in the coming year and live better lives.”