Changes under new leaders visible

According to many observers changes in Chinese society under the country's new leadership are visible, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

The changes that have taken place in Chinese society under the country's new leadership are the result of the continuation of old policies as well as implementation of new policies and regulations.

To a large extent, the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will decide the route of the country's reform. Therefore, public expectations, apart from the changes in the two sessions, are centered more on some profound and real problems, such as how to "put power in the cage of regulations" and "swap the flies as well as the tigers" to ensure that the legal system and government mechanisms protect and improve the livelihood of the people.

Discussing the real problems means knowing people's condition and understanding their requirements, ambitions and wishes. Rural and urban areas both have for the first time adopted equal-proportion election for this year's NPC. The move is aimed at giving greater say to "spokespersons for the public" who will genuinely work to protect the rights entitled to the people.

So the NPC deputies and CPPCC members should discuss and attempt to solve the real problems of the people rather than making vague proposals in a pretentious manner.

To discuss the real problems also means telling the truth without fear. For that, what the NPC deputies and CPPCC members require is not only courage and conscience, but also a realistic attitude toward society, and people and their real problems.

Judging by the twin sessions of the past few years, the number of NPC deputies who have dared to come up with solutions to real problems is increasing. Only by fulfilling the obligations of people's spokespersons and facing the real problems can NPC deputies and CPPCC members genuinely exercise their right of supervision.

Spokespersons for the people should be responsible for their voters' well-being as well as their own conscience. If they are dedicated to their job as NPC deputies and CPPCC members, their rights to control and supervise could be put to rightful use instead of becoming empty talk.

Difference in opinion can lead to consensus if proper communication and interaction are maintained. In this way, different interest groups and voices will get a chance to be heard. When different opinions and appeals are expressed, thoroughly discussed and effectively communicated, they will lead to mutual compromise, solutions and then consensus. This is what society and people need to move forward on the road of reform and opening-up and ultimately toward overall prosperity.

(China Daily 03/07/2013 page10)