BEIJING - The Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party (CPWDP), one of China's eight non-communist political parties, will elect a new leadership during its 16th National Congress, which opened here Monday.

Chen Zhu, chairman of the CPWDP Central Committee, called on party members to learn the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) earnestly and adhere to the CPC leadership, while delivering a work report at the opening session.

The CPWDP should contribute more wisdom and power to the country's "two centenary goals" and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, said Chen, also vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

Also on Monday, Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, met with the delegates to the congress and gave a congratulatory speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Li affirmed the contributions made by the CPWDP members over the past five years in the fields of healthcare, population resources and ecological protection.

The CPC will uphold and improve the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation in accordance with the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, Li said.

In handling its relationships with other political parties," the CPC would adhere to the principle of long-term coexistence, mutual oversight, treating each other with sincerity and sharing of both good and bad times," according to Li.

Li said the CPC would support these parties in performing their duties in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese socialist system for their participation in governance, and consolidate and develop the broadest possible patriotic united front.

Li called on the CPWDP members to closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, bring their professional advantages into full play, conduct in-depth research and give more advices.

During the CPWDP national congress, delegates would hear and deliberate the report of the party's 15th Central Committee, review and approve an amendment to the CPWDP Constitution, and elect a new leadership.

Founded in August 1930 in Shanghai, the CPWDP is comprised of members who are mainly intellectuals in the fields of healthcare, population resources and ecological protection.