Top Chinese leader Jia Qinglin underscored the importance of united front work in the course of China's reform and modernization drive.

Jia,chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, make the remark during an inspection tour in east China's economic hub Shanghai this week.

He said that the united front, which is composed of many social sectors, is conducive to the socialist undertakings. He also called for the full implementation of religious freedom.

Jia said the work on Taiwan issues has a key position in the affairs undertaken by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government. The two sides across the Taiwan Straits should strive for close economic cooperation and exchanges.

Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee,visited enterprises, research institutions and local communities in Shanghai.

Source: Xinhua