Sharp criticism welcome

The annual national sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are an occasion to hear what the participants say on State affairs. Their opinions or suggestions can make a difference to the making of a particular policy.

Therefore, whether they can speak their minds is of importance to the outcome of the sessions.

So sharp but not extreme criticisms are encouraged to create a democratic atmosphere, Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the 12th CPPCC National Committee, said in his speech at the opening of this year's session of the committee on Monday.