Lin Wenyi re-elected TSL chairwoman

BEIJING -- Lin Wenyi was re-elected chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TSL), one of eight non-Communist political parties on the Chinese mainland, on Saturday.

Lin was elected during the first plenary meeting of the league's ninth Central Committee.

The TSL concluded its ninth National Congress on the same day.

The national congress also elected its new central committee, which is made up of 68 members. It also examined a work report by the TSL's eighth Central Committee and approved a draft amendment to its constitution.

While addressing the closing session, Lin said the new leaders will improve their decision-making capabilities and work efficiency in the next five years.

Lin, 68, a native of the city of Tainan in south Taiwan, earned both undergraduate and doctorate degrees in engineering at Tsinghua University and later became a professor at the school.

Lin joined TSL in December 1990. She was promoted to the TSL Central Committee in 1997 before being elected TSL chairwoman in 2005.

She also serves as vice chairwoman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's political advisory body.

TSL members have been told to conduct research to promote the country's scientific development and adjust its economic growth mode, as well as improve their capabilities to participate in state affairs, according to a statement issued after the national congress.

TSL members, mainly Taiwan natives living on the mainland, should make full use of their advantages to promote cooperation and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and contribute to the peaceful reunification of the motherland, the statement said.

The TSL was founded in 1947 and now has more than 2,600 members.

It is one of eight non-Communist political parties in China that participate in state affairs under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Under the multi-party cooperation system, the CPC and non-communist parties work together and supervise each other.