Western-style reform not on agenda, says CPPCC chief Yu Zhengsheng

China's new top political adviser has urged members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to reject "impetuous and extremist attitudes" in political ideas and said the ruling Communist Party would explore its own political path and shun reform based on Western models.

Yu Zhengsheng , who was elected CPPCC chairman on Monday, also called on his colleagues yesterday to reject "extravagance and not to be engaged in any deeds that use their power and influence to seek personal gain". The 68-year-old told them to be "outspoken and straightforward" in advising the government and to reject "indifference and listlessness" in their work.

"We should reject impetuousness and extremist attitudes that lose contact with national conditions," Yu said in his first speech since his election, addressing the closing session of the CPPCC's 11-day annual meeting.

"We need to more strictly follow the socialist path of political development with Chinese characteristics.

"We will not copy models in Western political systems under any circumstances, always adhere to the correct political orientation, and strengthen the CPPCC's ideological and political foundations of collective struggle," Yu told more than 2,000 CPPCC members in the Great Hall of the People.

He reiterated a long-standing party principle to the advisory body, urging it to "steadfastly uphold the leadership of the Communist Party and adhere to and improve the system of multiparty co-operation and political consultation under Communist Party leadership".