Xi Jinping (C, front), Li Keqiang (4th R, front), Zhang Dejiang (4th L, front), Yu Zhengsheng (3rd R, front), Zhang Gaoli (3rd L, front), Li Zhanshu (2nd R, front), Wang Huning (2nd L, front), Zhao Leji (1st R, front) and Han Zheng (1st L, front) attend the closing meeting of the First Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 15, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) concluded its annual session Thursday, stressing the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"Taking a clear political stand is an essential feature of the CPPCC," said Wang Yang, newly-elected chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, when addressing the closing of the session.

The CPC leadership is a fundamental political guarantee for the development of the CPPCC and a basic political principle that the CPPCC must observe in the new era, Wang said.

Wang asked CPPCC members to uphold the CPC leadership, take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding principle for the work of the CPPCC, perform their duties for the people, improve their consultation competence, and act within the boundaries of the Constitution and laws.