China Leader Encourages Criticism of Government

"SHANGHAI — Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is known for his populist approach and near constant presence in Chinese headlines. He often races to the scene of natural disasters to comfort survivors. On state-run television, he can be seen eating with the poor and disadvantaged in rural villages. Showcased in events carefully stage-managed by Chinese media, his common touch has earned him the nickname “Grandpa Wen.”

But this week, the 68-year-old prime minister made what many analysts consider a bolder than usual move: he appeared at the nation’s top petition bureau in Beijing, where ordinary people go to file grievances, and encouraged citizens to criticize the government and press their cases for justice."


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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/world/asia/27china.html?_r=1