President Xi Jinping highlighted consultative democracy as China's unique way to foster consensus among the people, while marking the 65th anniversary of the national political advisory body on Sunday, stressing that democracy is not a decoration but a means of solving problems.

Through consultative democracy, Chinese people take part in the country's governance, said Xi at a ceremony marking the founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"There are various ways to realize democracy. We should neither stick to one model nor claim that there is a universal one," Xi said.

Democracy is defined not only by people's right to vote in an election but also the right to participate in political affairs on a daily basis, he said.

A broad consultation among the people is a democratic process to pool wisdom and form consensus, based on which China's governance will be solid and sound, he said.

Xi pledged that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and government will carry on consultative democracy and consult as many people as possible on as many issues as possible, adding that the Party is also able to discover loopholes and correct mistakes.

Xi urged building of a practical political system to embody consultative democracy, including all levels and different walks of life. It should allow the people to be consulted before the authorities make a key decision, he said.

Xi stressed that consultative democracy should be enhanced at the grass-roots. While talking about the development of the CPPCC, Xi said it must stick to the leadership of the CPC.

The first session of the CPPCC was held in Beijing between September 21 and 30, 1949. Authorized to perform the functions of the supreme organ of power, the session adopted a "Common Program" which bore the nature of a temporary constitution and proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The CPPCC ceased to act as the supreme organ of power in September 1954 when the National People's Congress was convened.