Multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC constitute the basic party system in China. It was jointly created and developed by the CPC and other democratic parties in the long-standing process of China's revolution, construction and reform. The system, which was conceived in the democratic revolution period and was established after the founding of the PRC, has made great headway after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee held in late 1978.

China's party system is distinct from the multi-party or two-party systems in Western capitalist countries, as well as the one-party system in some other countries. Its evident features are as follows: The CPC acts as the ruling party while, under the leadership of the CPC, other parties participate in the discussion and management of state affairs, in cooperation with the CPC. Cooperative relations between the CPC and other parties are based on the principle of "long-term coexistence and mutual supervision, treating each other with full sincerity and sharing weal or woe."

The CPC and other parties share the same objectives and are all devoted to the cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. In the state power structure, the CPC is the ruling party and the other parties are incorporated into the organs of state power, taking part in consultations of the country's basic policies and guidelines and candidates for state leadership, in state administration, and in formulation and implementation of state guidelines, policies, laws and regulations.

The Constitution of the PRC is the basic code of conduct for both the CPC and the other parties. Within the scope of constitutional rights and obligations, these parties enjoy political freedom, organizational independence and equal legal status. The Constitution of the PRC provides that the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC will exist and develop for a long time to come.

The multi-party cooperation in China is mainly carried out in six formats:
First, holding political consultations between the CPC and the other parties. Before making major decisions, the CPC Central Committee usually sponsors forums and symposiums where the CPC leaders can introduce relevant situations to leaders of the other parties and representatives of personages without party affiliation, as well as discuss state affairs with them and listen to their opinions. Within a year since the beginning of 2003, the CPC Central Committee held nine forums and symposiums with prominent figures outside the CPC, five of which were presided over by General Secretary Hu Jintao personally.

Second, giving play to the role of representatives of these parties and personages without party affiliation in people's congresses at all levels. Members of these parties and personages without party affiliation take an appropriate percentage of seats in the NPC and its Standing Committee and special committees. Deputies to people's congresses at different levels, who are elected from people outside the CPC, total 140,000. Through taking part in activities of people's congresses, they convey people's opinions, participate in formulation of major decisions and legislations, and supervise the government.

Third, recommending qualified members of these parties and non-party personnel to assume leading posts in government and judicial organs at all levels. At present, more than 8,000 people outside the CPC assume offices at and above county magistrate-rank in government and judicial organs at all levels. Invested with real power, they and their colleagues with CPC membership cooperate with each other closely and frankly, making important contribution at their respective posts.

Fourth, strengthening the participation of these parties in the work of the CPPCC. The democratic parties participate in the CPPCC in the name of political groups, and, on this basis, air opinions, raise proposals and participate in discussion and administration of state affairs. Members of these parties and non-party people are the majority in members of CPPCC committees at various levels and their standing committees and leaders, exceeding 270,000 in number for the moment. They account for 60.1 percent of the members of the 10th CPPCC National Committee, 65.2 percent of its Standing Committee members and 13 of its 24 vice chairpersons.

Fifth, encouraging non-CPC personnel to scrutinize the CPC and the government through multiple channels and in multiple forms. A complaint reporting system has been established within all these parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. In addition, a lot of people outside the CPC have been invited to serve as supervisors, inspectors, auditors, education inspectors, taxation inspectors and land and resources inspectors, or to participate in investigation of major crimes and taxation inspections.

Sixth, supporting these parties to participate in practices of reform, opening up and socialist modernization.