China's top political adviser Jia Qinglin urged the private sector not to lay off workers to help maintain social stability amid the global economic turmoil.

Jia, chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said this in a report delivered at the annual full session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, which convened on Tuesday and will run through March 12 at the Great Hall of the People in downtown in Beijing.

"National Committee members from the non-public sector of the economy should be encouraged to shoulder their share of social responsibilities," according to the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

"Advisers should try their best to refrain from laying off any employees, cutting salaries or withholding wages, so as to create a harmonious labor relationship," said Jia.

China's ideal of building a "harmonious society" is facing a stern challenge this year, thanks to massive unemployment as a result of the financial crisis, a rising awareness of civil rights and the role of the Internet in helping people voice grievances.

According to media reports, the ongoing CPPCC session and upcoming session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will have deputies and advisers from more than 150 listed companies. They include executives of large financial companies such as China Life Insurance (Group) Co and Ping An Insurance (Group) Co of China.

Jia also urged political advisers from ethnic minorities and religious circles to play a role in developing ethnic unity and religious harmony.

The top political adviser also expressed support for the government's handling of unrest in Tibet and other parts of the country.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2009)