Like Zhang Ping, other government ministers were equally forthcoming on the challenges China must overcome to sustain its economic growth, bridge the income divide and rebalance the regional economic divide.

On Tuesday, at the conclusion of the afternoon session of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region delegation, their Party chief, Zhang Chunxian, opened the floor to the press.

"I won't avoid any questions from you so don't hesitate, just ask," he told the assembled 110 journalists who, in a frenzy to get closer to Zhang, overturned tables, spilled tea on the red carpet and tripped over media equipment. Some reporters were pushed down or knocked on the head by heavy cameras, my China Daily colleague Cui Jia said.

In the middle of this impromptu press conference, Zhang said to Cui he would "fulfill the promise I gave a few days ago" and allow her to ask a question. In the end, Zhang answered every single query, which ranged from how to prevent unrest to how old his daughter is. (She is studying for her PhD).

He commented on what lessons should be derived from the recent turmoil in the Middle East, saying: "Xinjiang is Xinjiang and other areas are other areas. Xinjiang won't be affected by what's going on in other places, because people trust the government."

These examples of candor and openness by public officials augur well, because I believe it is not only journalists, but the general public, who hope to see more officials speak this way, and not only during the annual NPC and CPPCC sessions.

Openness and candor are essential for building and enhancing public trust and for dispelling whatever misgivings there may be about what the government is doing. The public will be better informed, not only about what officials have achieved, but also about the problems and challenges that the nation faces in its efforts to improve the well-being of its people.

The author is assistant editor-in-chief of China Daily. E-mail: lixing@chinadaily.com.cn