Celebrity no-shows at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference have been criticized for conspicuous and repeated absence from the nation's top political advisory body's annual plenary session, now underway.

CPPCC spokesman Wu Jianmin said the continuing absences of some celebrity members has become a problem. Measures to "deal with this problem" are being considered, he said, without elaborating.

Over 120 members of the CPPCC, including internationally famous film director Zhang Yimou, actress Gong Li, and five other celebrities, are absent.

The current National Committee of the CPPCC is comprised of 2,280 members from 34 social circles.

The Beijing-based China Times said Zhang and Gong are absent because of film shooting.

It is Gong Li's second consecutive absence.

"Gong should quit if she is really unable to perform her duty, even once a year at a critical meeting," a columnist wrote in yesterday's Chongqing Evening News.

The spotlight was turned on no-show celebrity representatives after two Olympic gold medalists quit the Guangdong Provincial CPPCC in February because of repeated absences.

Before the current CPPCC conference, which opened last Friday, session spokesman Wu said members are duty-bound to take part and keep in close contact with the masses in order to reflect their views and requests.

The legislative body's charter stipulates that national and local committee members should undertake political consultation, democratic supervision, and discussion of state affairs.

The CPPCC is a patriotic, united front organization of the Chinese people.

It is a key to multi-party cooperation and political consultation.

Spokesman Wu said advisers must honor their roles and observe the CPPCC charter.

The current session concludes next Monday.