Upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China is not discarding democracy but forming wider and more effective democracy, President Xi Jinping said on Sunday.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark while attending a discussion with political advisers from the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, China Zhi Gong Dang, China Democratic League and advisers with no party affiliation.

Xi said socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era that requires strengthening the CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultative system, developing socialist democratic politics and striving to secure the decisive victory of building a moderately prosperous society.

He encouraged the non-Communist parties and advisers without party affiliation to increase their confidence, adopt political determination, take an active role in giving advice and reach more consensus.