The standing committee of China’s top political advisory body has held a meeting in Beijing, just ahead of the country’s annual political season.

During the meeting, the chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference delivered a speech. Yu Zhengsheng described the upcoming “two sessions” as a major event for the country. Yu called on the two sessions to play their role as platforms for political consultation, democratic supervision, and political participation.

He said all the representatives should bear in mind democracy and solidarity in fulfilling their duties, and adhere to the core values of socialism.