by Chen Zhe

Local authorities in Southwest China's Yunnan Province announced early this week that all domestic and international media are invited to cover the province's annual sessions of the People's Congresses, the legislative body, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the political advisory body.

The meetings are seen by many as the most important political gatherings each year for local officials and elites to draft their economic and social blueprints for the coming year. It is the second time that provincial authorities in Yunnan have extended the invitation.

A commentary in the China Daily says many other local authorities are still hesitating to open their sessions to media from other regions and countries. The basic concern is that they are afraid of media exposure on sensitive issues, which they think will put officials in an awkward position. Officials in Yunnan should be commended for having the confidence to present their issues to the media.

It says covering up issues is difficult in the information age, and transparency is the best way for decision-makers to make the right choices. More importantly, the country has also benefited politically from openness. Increasing transparency of government affairs and wider access to information enables citizens to express their opinions on public affairs and pushes the government to improve.

The writer points out that many Chinese officials are media-shy and afraid that negative reporting will harm their careers. Organizers of the sessions should offer basic training to delegates to psychologically prepare them to meet with the media.