The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is the formal advisory body of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the highest organ of state power in China. It does not hold any legislative power. Its main functions are to “conduct political consultation, exercise democratic oversight and participate in the discussion and the handling of state affairs”. The CPPCC’s national committee convenes every spring – usually two days before the opening of the NPC – to provide political consultation to the latter. The committee currently has more than 2,000 members who come from all walks of life. Although China is effectively a one-party state, the committee also includes members from eight other minor political parties. These are officially allowed, although their leaders are appointed by the Communist Party.