Political advisory body ringing out as people's voice
China DailyMembers of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, as the top political advisory body convenes. On Sept 21, 1949, shortly before the birth of the People's Republic of China, a diverse array of representatives from across the nation — including leaders of political parties, intellectuals, ethnic minorities and overseas Chinese — converged in Beijing, optimistic about helping shape the country's future. They had assembled to take part in the inaugural plenary session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The delegates had responded to Chairman Mao Zedong's call on May 1, 1948, when the War of Liberation was still underway, to engage in a political consultative conference and unite to forge a new nation.