Zhao Ziyang's 3 significant concepts

"Under the leadership of Zhao Ziyang, the thirteenth National Party Congress in October 1987 put political reform, and as part of it, journalism reform on the national agenda. Significantly, in Zhao's report to the Party Congress, mention of the press' role as the mouthpiece of the Party, which reportedly had been in early drafts, was dropped after extensive debate. 'Political transparency', a glasnost-like phrase, was used to advocate greater openness in government and more reporting of the political process. Zhao affirmed three significant concepts:

1. That the Party should have "Supervision by public opinion" (yu lun jian du)
2. That the Party should inform the people about important events (zhong da shi qing rang ren min zhi dao)
3. That the people should participate in the discussion of important issues (zhong da wen ti jing ren min tao lun)

While these notions did not challenge the Party's fundamental assumptions, they did suggest significant moves towards less paternalistic and more democratic communication and decision making."

Zhao (1998: p.35,36)