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GALLERY CHINESE PEOPLE'S POLITICAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE From CCTV: "Every March, members of the national committee of the CPPCC gather in Beijing to discuss vital political, economic and social issues. During the conference, CPPCC members discuss the government's work report and submit suggestions or proposals to lawmakers in the NPC [National People's Congress]. They also attend the NPC's plenary session as observers. In this way the country's top advisors perform their role of political consultation and supervision of state affairs. Each year, more than three thousand proposals from CPPCC members from all over the country are collected here. The proposals will be reviewed by government departments during the annual session. Since its establishment more than half a century ago, the CPPCC has played a significant role in shaping China's political and economic landscape."
March 2007:
Photos taken between 1998-2003:
Gong Li has been a member of the CPPCC since 1998, and has presented, or sponsored, proposals on issues including the environment, AIDS, and film censorship.
From an interview in Paris Match, June 1999: PM: "Let's talk a little about politics. You are a member of the People's Congress. What are your roles and actions?" GL: "In China, there is a People's Assembly, executive, and the People's Congress, which has a consultative role. I have been chosen by the Culture Minister with other artists to be consulted with by the state. Each year, we meet and make suggestions in order to move on the actions of the state in our fields." PM: "Pardon my question that is a little abrupt by a Westerner: Is it necessary to be a member of the Communist party in order to be a part of the People's Congress?" GL: "Not at all. I am not a member of the Communist party. I am a democrat." PM: "In your opinion, is your country on the path of good social and economic growth?" GL: In ten years, China has become completely open, thanks to the system of reforms of Deng Xiaoping. Our country is becoming more and more prosperous and modern. More and more people are well nourished and educated. But we are still improving. As a Chinese, I think that our modernization and our opening are of primary importance. It's as if a beautiful road has opened to a very remote countryside. It opens the way for hope. And without this road to the outside world, a declining countryside will remain ignorant. China needs this route towards the modern."
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