Senior leader highlights economic growth, social stability

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks at a national conference on the "United Front", a term used by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to describe its policy of uniting political forces representing people of various circles, Dec. 25, 2008. (Chinese media Photo)
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BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Chinese media) -- China's top political

advisor Jia Qinglin on Thursday stressed social stability and steady economic

growth during the new economic climate.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a national conference on the "United Front", a term used by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to describe its policy of uniting political forces representing people of various circles.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks at a national conference on the "United Front", a term used by the Communist Party of China (CPC) to describe its policy of uniting political forces representing people of various circles, Dec. 25, 2008.(Chinese media Photo)
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Jia urged members of the United Front to take

advantage of its extensive resources to help build a prosperous society.

Members of the United Front should actively consult

with relevant departments on measures to deal with the global financial crisis,

in order to help sustain a relatively fast and steady economic growth in China,

Jia said.

He called for stepped-up effort in perfecting the

country's policies on rural development among the United Front, and in resolving

disputes in the society to maintain social stability.

Thursday's meeting was attended by Du Qinglin, vice

chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and director of the United Front

Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Present at the meeting were heads of central

government departments and United Front departments at provincial level from

across the country.

China to take measures to spur

consumption, stimulate foreign trade

BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Chinese media) -- More measures will be

taken to stimulate consumption and support foreign trade, according to

Wednesday's executive meeting of China's State Council, or the cabinet.

A document released after the meeting, chaired by

Premier Wen Jiabao, said to stimulate domestic consumption, efforts should be

made to improve the rural circulation network, increase the variety of

commodities available in rural markets, improve urban community

service-facilities, promote upgrade of durable goods, support development of

circulation companies, stimulate holiday consumption through exhibitions, and

step up supervision over product quality and safety. Full story

China legislature hears State Council report on financial

crisis

BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Chinese media) -- The legislature heard

here on Wednesday a somber report on how the intensifying impact of the world

financial and economic crisis is reverberating through China's economy.

Zhang Ping, minister in charge of the National

Development and Reform Commission, representing the State Council (cabinet),

outlined the situation to the Standing Committee of the National People's

Congress. Full story