Officials' candor a pleasant surprise

The annual sessions of China's legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), have traditionally been opportunities for journalists to glean the views of officials on major issues of public concern.

In years past, these efforts were often frustrated, as officials shun journalists, spoke in officialese, or dodged questions.

At this year's NPC and CPPCC sessions, journalists have been pleasantly surprised by officials who have been open and forthright, and who talk in everyday language about state affairs with NPC deputies, CPPCC members and the press.