An open attitude toward online criticism of the government was shown in a New Year's greeting to Internet users by two provincial leaders in southern China's Guangdong Province, which is widely viewed as a leader of the country's reform, said experts.

In their greeting prior to the upcoming Spring Festival, Hu Chunhua, Party chief of Guangdong, and Provincial Governor Zhu Xiaodan, said Web users in the province had contributed to policy making and improvement in 2012. Their message was carried online and in print by the Guangzhou-based Party newspaper Nanfang Daily on Wednesday.

Many policies and decisions have been supported by Web users and their participation in political affairs is welcome, wrote the leaders. They even said negative comments and criticisms are welcomed. 

Tian Zhihui, an expert of new media from the Communication University of China, said the letter to Web users is a good signal that the government is willing to accept public supervision.

"It shows the open attitude of Guangdong authorities as they face the irresistible force of online voices and are willing to make full use of them," Tian told the Global Times.

Nearly 15 corruption cases were first exposed online in 2012 and six of them began with postings on Weibo, data released by Shanghai Jiaotong University in December showed.

"Online platforms are filling in the blank left by traditional media in terms of monitoring officials," said Tian, adding the speed at which news is spread by the social media means many people can be informed of an issue before it is censored.

However, Wang Yukai, professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance, said Internet users' participation in government affairs should be thoughtful and meaningful.

"Rational criticisms are welcomed but emotional attacks only pollute the environment and make little contribution," Wang told the Global Times.

According to Wang, the online real-name system adopted in late December that requires Web users to give identity information to service providers is an important step toward improving public participation in the political process.

A journalist based in Guangzhou who asked for anonymity told the Global Times that he regained his hope after reading the letter.

"I was afraid that the real-name system would further restrict online freedom of speech, but the signal sent by the Guangdong authorities will encourage many Web users," said the journalist who works for a local paper and often writes critical postings.

The province's progressive moves have been encouraged by Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, who chose Guangdong for his first officially regional visit following his elevation to his post in November, telling leaders there they should continue innovative reform.