The leader of China's top advisory body said in Beijing on
Sunday that ethnic and religious work is imperative to secure
harmonious social development.
Jia
Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),
made the remarks when he visited the Niujie community, a compact
area inhabited by the Hui
ethnic group, the Islamic Association of China and two religious
institutions for the upcoming
Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.
Jia was warmly greeted by Niujie residents as he made his 12th
consecutive annual visit.
During a workshop with religious people, Jia said that
government and Party departments at all levels should show special
concern to ethnic minorities and religious groups, and try their
best to solve difficulties of needy people, to ensure a happy
Spring Festival.
"We should hold up high the spirit of patriotism and national
unity to solidify and develop an ethnic relationship of equality,
unity and mutual help, and to further enhance economic and social
development and uplift the standard of living in areas inhabited by
ethnic minorities," he said.
The State Council introduced the country's first statute on
religious affairs on November 30 last year. The statute is
scheduled to take effect on March 1.
The working facilities of religious groups and institutions in
the country have been much improved, Jia said.
After hearing reports on infrastructure construction of two
Islamic and Buddhist institutions, Jia said the
central?government has decided to allocate special funds to
upgrade the working facilities of religious groups and institutions
nationwide.
Representatives from religious groups said they would try to
bring up high-quality religious people and make more contributions
to the realization of a harmonious society in China.
Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist
Party of China (CPC) Liu Qi, Vice Chairwoman of the CPPCC National
Committee Liu Yandong and other senior officials were also
present.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2005)