The Information Office of the State Council issued a
white paper on the Chinese political party system on November 15, according to
a Xinhua article issued on the same date (English, Chinese).

The white paper emphasizes the dominant role of the
Communist Party in the Chinese political system, while stressing the importance
of political consultation between Party and non-Party members closely allied
with Party goals, including members from China's eight minor "democratic"
parties.

The white paper is the latest in a series of Party and
government directives that emphasize the importance of increased participation
and consultation between Party and non-Party members, under Party control, as a
means to improve national governance. 

The white paper tracks closely in content with a central
Party directive issued in 2006 that emphasized the importance of expanding the
consultative role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
(CPPCC) in order to enhance the Party's own ability to govern. The CPPCC is a Party-led "united front"
organization that includes Party members, Party mass organizations, and
non-Party members closely allied with Party goals, including members from
China's eight minor "democratic" parties.

Chinese government and Party leaders seek to
strategically use methods such as political consultation with selected
non-Party groups and individuals, and institutions such as the CPPCC. These are aimed at addressing mounting social
unrest and popular grievances by creating additional channels for political
participation, but without compromising on core principles of one-Party
control.