China needs Premier Li's pragmatic, honest work style

In contrast to his somewhat cautious image last year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang impressed his people with a much more relaxed manner this time while delivering the annual government work report Thursday.[Special coverage]

One or two slips of the tongue went almost unnoticed during his nearly two-hour-long speech, as the work report, fully imbued with Li's down-to-earth, open and honest personal style, has caught the audience's whole attention.

Li's style was warmly welcomed by the public as well as officials in China, and people found his speeches heartening and encouraging as they always spoke out what the people want to say.

For instance, his remarks of "those with power must not be self-willed" became an instant hit with the online community, as the expression was not only interpreted in popular, trendy terms, but also made one feel that the premier is one of the people.

Instead of triggering public concerns, the open, sincere and honest style of the government is quite helpful in forming closer ties between government officials and the general public in their joint endeavor to achieve the same goal.

What breeds honesty is strong confidence, which consolidated Li's open and streamlined style and pragmatic approach, as well as his man-of-the-people credentials.

Li's style helps bring him and the people closer, making his people feel that they and their premier share a common fate.

On the other hand, such a style also complies with the principle of modern politics. Being true and loyal to the people's aspiration and his readiness to display great sincerity makes Li "the premier of the people."