The nation's top political advisor yesterday pledged to use religion for promoting social harmony.
Jia Qinglin is chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
He said, "We should fully follow the policy on freedom of religious belief, implement the regulations on religious affairs, and conduct thorough research on important and difficult issues related to religion."
"We should guide religious leaders and believers to improve their lives, and make full use of their positive role in promoting social harmony," he continued in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the first session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee.
The number of Buddhists, Taoists and Christians has been on the rise in recent years, religious officials say, and the central government has been increasingly encouraging religion to play a role in promoting social development.
Figures from the State Administration for Religious Affairs suggest that there are more than 100 million believers in the country, mostly Buddhists, Taoists, Protestants, Catholics and Muslims.
Among them are 18 million Muslims, 10 million Protestants and 4 million Catholics.
Ding Wenfang, a member of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC, said fellow members should strengthen national unity and promote religious harmony.
Ding, also vice-president of the China Islamic Association, said: "The unity of the 56 ethnic groups in China and religious harmony are necessary to build a harmonious society."
Jia also stressed that the CPPCC needs to "maintain close ties with members of emerging social strata such as private entrepreneurs, accountants and lawyers."
"We should show concern for their interests, open up channels for them to articulate their views, and guide them to conscientiously assume social responsibilities and effectively promote socialist development with Chinese characteristics."
He also urged political advisors to join hands with Taiwan people in opposing and containing secessionist activities.
The first session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee started in the Great Hall of the People yesterday afternoon, with 2,195 members in attendance.
They will discuss major issues related to national development during the annual session scheduled to conclude on March 14.
Questions:
1.According to the State Administration for Religious Affairs, how many people in the country are religious?
2. How many Chinese people are Muslim?
3.Jia mentioned three emerging social strata with which he suggested the CPPCC must maintain close ties. What were they?
Answers:
1.More than 100 million.
2.18 million.
3.Private entrepreneurs, accountants and lawyers.
（英語點津 Celene 編輯）
About the broadcaster:
Jonathan Stewart is a media and journalism expert from the United States with four years of experience as a writer and instructor. He accepted a foreign expert position with chinadaily.com.cn in June 2007 following the completion of his Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics.
