Resolution rings true

The Communist Party of China Central Committee Politburo's resolution on improving the work style is a laudable follow-up to General Secretary Xi Jinping's latest admonishment against empty talk and his appeal for hard work. It is guaranteed to win over hearts and bring about changes of far-reaching significance.

The eight measures, which cover Politburo members' public appearances, meetings, ceremonies and similar occasions, reaffirm the same message we have been receiving since the new CPC leaders took office - the resolve to make a difference. They are consoling proof that when Xi warned against empty talk the other day, he meant it. Which is exactly what people expect, and our society and Chinese officialdom badly need.

These are not hollow slogans that merely sound loud. They point directly at problems that estrange officialdom from the public.

From requiring Politburo members to reduce their entourage, reach deep into the grassroots, and squarely face problems on inspection trips, to simplifying receptions, and cutting unnecessary ceremonies and meetings, such rules represent the new leadership's serious deliberations on style change.

People would love to be assured that national decision-makers could not be misled by carefully staged shows on inspection tours.

People dislike meaningless ceremonies, meetings and documents that waste time, manpower and public money. Though not as hated as corruption, costly formalities and official red tape are a major source of public discontent.

People, especially residents of Beijing, will benefit more directly from the rule on reducing traffic control for official motorcades.

And congratulations to some of our media colleagues, as "newsworthiness" will count more in their coverage of official activities. We will all be beneficiaries of the idea to do away with empty official cliches.

These measures are primarily for the CPC central leadership. Local authorities are asked to work out and implement their own.

We especially appreciate the idea to start from the very top of the chain of command. With the Party's leaders setting fine examples, the proposal of style change sounds truer than ever.

With its leading officials doing what they ask others to do, and avoiding what they ask others to avoid, the CPC will find more rallying power from its words, not just those on style change.

Such an initiative may usher in a profound self-transformation on the CPC's part, which is essential for its promise of good governance.

(China Daily 12/05/2012 page8)