The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top advisory body, opens its annual meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. More than 2,000 CPPCC members attended the opening session.—Xinhua

Delegates to China's top advisory body opened their annual session in Beijing yesterday by expressing support for the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.

"We will never tolerate 'Taiwan independence,' and shall oppose secessionist activities," said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

His remarks were part of a keynote report on the advisory body's activities last year and goals for this year.

"We will adhere to the fundamental principles of peaceful reunification and 'one country, two systems' and promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations," Jia said.

"We shall stick to the policies of 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong,' 'Macau people governing Macau' and a high degree of autonomy," said Jia, calling on CPPCC members from Hong Kong and Macau to work harder to promote long-term development of the regions.

The chairman also stressed the significance of cooperation with returned and overseas Chinese compatriots in an effort to realize China's reunification.

Jia confirmed the active role CPPCC members have played in assisting the government and central authorities draft China's 11th Five-Year (2006-2010) Program on economic and social development.

Over the past year, the views of CPPCC members on improving social equality, morality, stability and maintaining harmony between human beings and nature have also contributed to the ongoing effort to build a harmonious society, Jia noted.

Non-Communist parties and delegates without party affiliation played a more active role in the CPPCC's work over the past year, and the CPPCC National Committee made a strong effort to create favorable conditions for them to give full development of their roles, according to Jia.

Founded in 1949, the CPPCC consists of elite members of Chinese society who serve as a think tank for the government and for the country's legislative and judicial organs.

Its main functions include conducting political consultation, exercising democratic supervision and participating in the handling of state affairs.

The political advisers will also be present at this year's meeting of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, which begins on Sunday.