Private entrepreneurs and professionals in new social sectors have constituted a crucial part of the united front work of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the new century.

Such a principle is enshrined in a document recently issued by the CPC Central Committee, which is entitled Opinions on Consolidating and Expanding United Front in New Century and New Stage.

In the document, business people in private sectors and freelance professionals are recognized along with workers, farmers and intellectuals as builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

With profound economic and social changes in the wake of China's state-planned economy, new social forces including private entrepreneurs and freelance professionals have emerged, the document said.

They have made significant contribution to the construction of a well-off society featuring common prosperity and socialist harmony, according to the document.

Under such circumstances, the CPC should strive to mobilize and unify their enthusiasm, make full play of their function to pool new strength for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The document stressed that the united front has always been an important part of the CPC's general policy, and a major "magic weapon" of the CPC as a ruling party in governing the country.

Every possible positive factor will be brought into play under the leadership of the CPC to consolidate the patriotic united front to the utmost, the document said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2006)