A recent report on the South-to-North Water Diversion Project says the scheme was shelved for five years because it was difficult to balance the interests of different parties. This reform in public life makes the establishment of a negotiation system for social events a necessity, says an article in Changjiang Daily. Excerpts:

Trans-regional distribution of resources used to be as easy for superior authorities as issuing a decree to lower-tier officials. But things have changed. Conflicts of interests can now be reconciled only at the bargaining table.

On one hand, common people are more aware of their legal rights today and are fighting for their interests. On the other, realizing their regional interests, local governments are trying to serve them by demanding more from the superior authorities.

Hence, our public life is undergoing reform. Consultations on the basis of equality instead of authority will now be the civic spirit.

During the days of planned economy, people's interests were assimilated into unified hands. Unquestioning obedience had taken the better of people's intellect and initiatives. After the reform and opening up, however, society has diversified bit by bit. This has made the government withdraw from being the decisive factor in people's daily lives to a coordinator of different interests. And thus the superior authorities have gradually become equal negotiators from being the ruling authority.

Everyone's interest should be protected as legal rights, and in the long run, the establishment of a social negotiation system is inevitable.

Moreover, the pursuit of equity and respect to contract will replace the existing social norms.

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