Debates prove nation on democracy path

The plenary sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are two important meetings following the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last year. As widely known, the significance of these two meetings lies in succession: the re-election of the NPC, CPPCC and State Council's top officials. Beijing is drawing particular attention from around the world also because the NPC is expected to approve a plan to reorganize the State Council.

For me, however, that is not the only reason I am following the two conferences with great interest. The way I see it, some "side views", "highlights" and even slight changes happening in the Great Hall of the People reflect one way or another the progress China is making today toward democracy.

For example, a CPPCC member, representing the business community proposed three measures aimed at helping the rich and sparked heated debate nationwide. Zhang Yin, a successful self-made entrepreneur, and one of the richest women in China, suggested that labor-intensive enterprises should not have to sign open-ended employment contracts; lower the progressive tax rate of people whose monthly salary exceeds 100,000 yuan ($14,084) from 45 percent to 30 percent; and enterprises should be encouraged to import advanced and energy-efficient equipment, through a grace period of five to seven years before they are subject to import duties and value-added tax.