The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is an organization of the united front with the widest representation. It is an important organ of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC with a mission of promoting socialist democracy in China's political life. Unity and democracy are two major themes for the CPPCC.

The CPPCC is composed of the representatives from the Communist Party of China (CPC), other political parties, mass organizations, and representative of public officials from all walks of life, representatives of compatriots of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as well as of returned overseas Chinese and other specially invited people.

The CPPCC is elected for a term of five years.

The main functions and duties for the CPPCC and its local committees are participation of political consultation, democratic supervision and participation and discussion of state affairs.
Participation of political consultation means taking part in consultations of the country's basic policies and important issues in political, economic, cultural and social affairs before a decision is made. The CPPCC, its Standing Committee and its local affiliates can call for meetings joined by representatives of different parties, mass organizations, ethnic groups and social groups, based on the suggestions by CPC, standing committee of the people's congress, government, political parties, and mass organizations. The CPPCC can also suggest the above parties submit issues to discuss.

Democratic supervision means by giving suggestions or criticism, the CPPCC can supervise the implementation of the Constitution, laws and regulations, and important policies.  It also provides a watchdog role for the performance of the state organs and its staff.

Participation and discussion of state affairs means carrying out duties and investigations that reflect social and public opinion. It includes the discussion of issues in politics, economy, society and culture, and problems concerned by people. The CPPCC can provide suggestions and advice to CPC and state organs through investigation reports, proposals, suggestion reports, or other forms.

On September 1949, the First CPPCC Plenary Session was held exercising the functions and power of the National People's Congress (NPC), which had not yet been established. The session proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China as the will of all Chinese people. Since 1954 when the First NPC opened, the CPPCC has no longer exercised the functions and power of the National People's Congress but has become China's patriot united front with widest representation. It has made contributions to the state's political life, social affairs, and foreign relations. By March 2004, the CPPCC has established links with 170 organizations in 101 countries and eight international and regional organizations.