Yu Zhengsheng (3rd L, rear), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, talks at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng Tuesday called on religious groups in China to uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and national unity.
Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.
On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, Yu extended New Year greetings to religious personages and believers nationwide.
Noting that the 19th National Congress of the CPC was scheduled for this year, Yu called on religious groups to study and implement the requirements made by Xi, and policies adopted at the national conference on religions to create a good environment for the congress.
"The CPC Central Committee's policy toward religious work is consistent and clear," Yu said, urging relevant religious groups to make efforts to ensure such policies were properly understood and observed by religious personages and believers.
He also called on religious groups to oppose extremism and terrorism.
Yu said that religious groups should act as a bridge between the Party and government and religious people, and promote a positive image.
He also stresses the building of a talent pool in relevant religions and government support for religious groups.
