In recent years, however, changes have taken place during the annual sessions, according to a signed article by Hui Minsheng. As a result, deputies to the NPC and members of the CPPCC National Committee often hold heated discussions inside the session venue and voices of the general public are also heard outside. Praises are now coupled with suggestions and criticisms.

    For example, this year there have been different views on the composition of and quality of NPC deputies. Some people called for more NPC deputies from grass-root units, including migrant workers. Others criticized some CPPCC members for the low quality of their proposals. Still others pointed out that some NPC deputies and CPPCC members had not focused on issues concerning national development and people's livelihood, but instead worked on minor matters.

    These views are not designed to criticize NPC deputies and CPPCC members. On the contrary, they are intended precisely to enable the annual sessions to achieve even greater results. People's suggestions and criticisms serve to demonstrate that they are concerned with state affairs, and that they love their motherland and the Communist Party of China. In this way, NPC deputies and CPPCC members will be able to perform their duties by better voicing people's concerns and participating more actively in discussing state affairs, in order to resolve issues regarding national development and people' livelihood, invigorate China and bring prosperity to the entire Chinese people.

    It reflects fresh progress being made in China's democratic process that different voices are heard during the annual sessions. Moreover, it indicates that China's political life is becoming "more open, progressive and harmonious." It also shows the political courage and broad mind of the Party and the government to welcome the public to tell the truth and take in different opinions. From this, we can see that the political quality of Chinese citizens has improved greatly, their awareness of participating in discussing state affairs has risen, and that they are free to voice their concerns. This will certainly promote the country's economic development and social progress.

    The annual sessions are not for NPC deputies and CPPCC members only. Inside the session venue, they are duty-bound to speak for the public, discuss state affairs and perform their duties faithfully. Outside the session venue, the general public are concerned about the sessions' progresses and state affairs, make all kinds of suggestions and express their views freely. Both inside and outside the session venue, an atmosphere has been created in which people are free to speak their minds. Consensus can be reached in discussions, and scientific policy decisions made in the exchange of views. The annual sessions held under these circumstances can be described as annual sessions that can fully pool people's wisdom, reflect their concerns and embody their will and interests.