2024 marks the 5th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping proposing the concept of whole-process people's democracy. In Beijing's Chaoyang district, a group of foreign diplomats has been shown the concept in practice at the grassroots level, and many say they're impressed. CGTN's Li Shuang brings us more.

At a grass-roots legislative consultation session in Beijing, China's whole-process people's democracy is on full display. Local residents and deputies to four levels of the National People's Congress exchange their opinions on how to amend the law, a process that's fundamental to China's political system, and impressive in the eyes of foreign envoys.

OLIVER WONEKHA, Ambassador of Uganda to China "This was a good opportunity, also to learn about the democracy here, the way it is practiced, the way people are engaged. Everybody has an opportunity to participate in the governance and in the laws."

LI SHUANG, Chaoyang District, Beijing "What makes today's assembly special is the participation of foreign diplomatic envoys from over 30 embassies in Beijing. At the invitation of National People's Congress, they are here to explore the vibrancy of China's whole-process people's democracy."

MICHAEL CAMPBELL, Ambassador of Nicaragua to China "I'm not a career diplomat. I consider myself also somebody that comes from the grassroots, so I enjoyed the debate and the discussion that happened at this level. Here people can feel the problems that need more directly."

After rounds of discussion with the deputies, many foreign envoys say they now have a better understanding of how democracy works in China.

YUDHO PRIAMBUDI, Counsellor, Embassy of Indonesia "Every country has their own way of doing this, including China. If it works for the people, then it can be maintained."

"China's model of democracy also continuously improves to the benefit of the Chinese people."

Which is what the organizer – the National People's Congress--aims to promote.

CHEN HONGZHI, Director, Standing Committee of Chaoyang District People's Congress "It is very meaningful to convey to the international community China's determination to firmly follow the path of democracy with Chinese characteristics and its successful practice."

Some foreign envoys say sessions like this should be held on a regular basis.

"What I'm hoping is that for me this is not only the first but there will be more engagements."

"We hope to participate in many more of them during our missions here in China. (Reporter: Yeah, please sign up.) I will, I definitely will."

And the answer from Chaoyang District People's Congress is yes. Li Shuang, CGTN, Beijing.

(Source: China Global Television Network)