Addressing the reception, Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao extended cordial greetings to all non-Communist parties, mass organizations, people of all social sectors, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese and foreign friends who supported China's modernization drive.

Hu, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said the united front is an effective weapon for the CPC to unify the country's various sectors and achieve victories in the revolution, economic construction and reform.

He said that, in the new century, the CPC will further develop the patriotic united front, adhere to and improve the multiparty cooperation and political consultation system, bring all possible factors into play and strive for China's rejuvenation.

He expressed the hope that the CPPCC would learn from its experiences, carry forward its fine traditions, keep working on the two major tasks of democracy and unity, do a better job in democratic supervision, participate in State affairs and contribute more to the country.

Li Ruihuan, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, called on all CPPCC members to rally around the CPC Central Committee with Hu Jintao at the core, implement the important thought of the "Three Represents" and the essence of the 16th National Congress of the CPC, exercise the functions of the CPPCC and contribute more to building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

CPC leaders Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Li Lanqing, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan attended the celebration, joined by leading officials of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and representatives of central government departments and of all ethnic groups and trades.

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2003)