Deputies to the National People's Congress and CPPCC members come from all parts of China and from many walks of life. For some, this will be their first national congress to serve for five years as a representative for the people of their area. For others, it will be business as usual, in a changing China. To find out how the people of China are best served by their chosen representatives, china.org.cn takes a close-up look at these people and what concerns they have for the China of today.

Here we meet long time champion of the people's causes, Sidney Shapiro.

Q: Which group of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) do you belong to?

A: I am from the Press and Publishing Group of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). I have continued to hold the post as a national committee member since the 6th CPPCC National Committee.

Q: What is your profession?

A: I am a Chinese citizen, although foreign born, and a retired veteran cadre from the China Pictorial magazine. Even though I am retired I have never stopped working and have written several books and translations from home.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Beijing.

Q: What is the issue of most concern to people in your area of China?

A: My house is a bungalow at a small hutong (lane) beside the Shichahai Lake (a famous scenic spot in Beijing). I have lived there for many years. My neighbors are mostly ordinary people such as workers and retired officials. There is a military camp near to our hutong. I understand my neighbors. Their primary concerns are various and about aspects of daily life proper social order, security, stable employment and income, and education for children. Ordinary concerns for ordinary people.

Q: What proposals have you made, or what did you hope to accomplish at this session?

A: Nothing yet - it's only the first day of the session. I haven't decided on my proposals. Our group has expanded from 20 to 50 members. Therefore I get to hear a lot more from new members.

Q: When the conference is not in session, how do you exercise your responsibilities as a CPPCC member?

A: As a member of the CPPCC, I am active within my own group. For example, group discussions on specific topics take place at a group level. The CPPCC serves as a bridge between the Party, the government and the people. We report people's responses and demands to state leadership. Although we have no legislative power, we can offer personal or joint proposals to senior Party members and leaders. We have close relationships with the NPC and we play an important and vital role.

Q: What is your hope for the future?

A: We need more new laws although we have already made many new ones in the past five years. Today many new problems exist outside the extent of legislation and this changing world needs to be reflected in the law. Also new laws need to be revised and in some case expanded.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Chao, March 6, 2003)