China's traditionally low-profile delegates to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have become more outspoken and candid when they stand in the spotlight. They now handle both camera and microphone deftly, according to a China News Service report on October 14.

Information-hungry reporters from home and abroad are cramming into the delegates' reception centers, hoping to get something newsworthy. Surrounded delegates now walk slowly and readily answer the press. This remarkable scenario brings to memory the image of years past, when, bombarded with questions, previous delegates clammed up and scurried away.

Such a transition is both welcome and reasonable. A delegate from Beijing, Gen Huifang, said, "We should be open-minded in order to stay in tune with the new open society. Isolation leads to a dead end."

"When making a speech, delegates now are adopting a down-to-earth style instead of the old bureaucratic tone," Xu Qian, a delegate from Fujian Province, said, brimming with joy.

Yang Feng, Vice Dean of the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater and also a delegate, remarked: "The image of congress delegates 30 years ago conjures up featureless souls in grey or blue uniforms. But how it has changed now! The new democratic ambience has encouraged us to say more and speak freely. Our voices are indispensable to our ruling party."

Song Yushui, another delegate to the Congress, underscores the theme of democracy, adding: "Democracy has allowed us more opportunities to communicate. The National Congress now serves like a tribune where the delegates are urged to voice their opinions."

In fact, the ruling party has pushed to unveil any mystery hanging over it. People have gained more access to information since Press Spokesman System now guarantees transparent information channels. The Central Committee for Discipline Inspection and the CPC International Department enter the spotlight with an open stance, holding meetings for the press and the public.

Quite a few delegates now go online to voice their opinions. Zhang Xinshi, Party chief of Suqian City in Jiangsu Province, recently opened his own personal blog. More and more officials are easing into the Internet.

(China.org.cn by He Shan, October 14, 2007)