BEJING, China - Talk of democratic reforms no longer appears muted in China with articles on such reforms appearing frequently in state-run media and publications.
The International Herald Tribune notes the country's academic experts and retiring leaders have written numerous commentaries on reform of the communist political system, including a call for adopting something similar to Switzerland's worker-friendly, democratic governing style.
The Tribune report, quoting two Communist party officials, said clearance has been given for publishing the pro-democratic thoughts of Lu Dingyi, a veteran of the Long March.
During last week's visits to Japan and South Korea, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao promised to take steps toward political openness.
To be sure, China is not about ready to adopt Western-style democracy. However, the report said that by allowing some open political discussion, Chinese leaders from President Hu Jintao down are trying to show themselves as being open-minded to ideas aimed at improving governance and reducing corruption.
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