Chinese literature prize guards against corrupt judging

BEIJING - The organizers of one of China's top literary awards have set up a team to supervise the judging process and make sure it is fair and free of corruption.

Qian Xiaoqian, vice chairman of the China Writers Association (CWA), said at the first meeting of the Mao Dun Literature Prize jury that the team will monitor the entire 18-day process of judging and selection, according to a report published on the CWA website on Friday.

Named after renowned Chinese writer and literary critic Mao Dun, the prize is one of China's most prestigious literary awards.

Some Chinese literature and art prizes have recently come under fire with authors and members of the public casting doubt on winners' quality.

Poet Zhou Xiaotian, one of the winners of last year's Lu Xun Literature Prize, was disappointed to see Internet users mock his colloquial style of writing as "nothing more than doggerel."

Noted Chinese writer Fang Fang has also accused some winners of exploiting personal connections to secure awards.

First issued in 1982, the Mao Dun Literature Prize is given every four years. Previous winners include works by Nobel laureate Mo Yan, as well as that of famous writers including Lu Yao, Jia Pingwa, Alai and Liu Zhenyun.