How to view the role of criticism remains a question unaddressed in China. Even theoretically, there is still no consensus on this issue. Criticism is a positive matter, which includes constructiveness. But in the meantime, under the cover of constructiveness, there can be confrontations, even in the political sphere. Chinese society lacks experience in dealing with these confrontations.

The facts have proven that it is difficult to ease radical critics and make them exercise restraint in their attitudes and ways of expression because they are determined to step over the bottom line and prepare no leeway for themselves. They have been immersed in the vicious circle that offers criticism for the sake of criticism.

This phenomenon can be especially observed in Western societies, where political criticisms tend to be extreme. However, the management framework of the Western societies rely on critical confrontations to keep a balance among different social forces. Extreme criticisms won't necessarily lead to extreme actions.

Different from its Western counterpart, China's political system prioritizes the pursuit of social harmony. This is the orientation of the development of Chinese politics.

Since reform and opening-up began in 1978, ideological emancipation has inspired a variety of thoughts on social development. Many intellectuals introduced into China the Western "confrontational criticism," which has played a positive role in advancing Chinese society, especially in terms of the abolition of many unfair laws and regulations.

However, confrontational criticism is going a bit too far and starts to disturb the process of Chinese political improvement. Some critical voices have weakened the confidence of the public, ignited and strengthened the contradictions between the authorities and the masses, and led public opinion to make negative comments on China's efforts in the past 36 years. Some extremists advocate political changes that are against China's constitution, calling for the end of the CPC's leadership.

We haven't worked out a framework that can incorporate and encourage all kinds of criticisms and meanwhile, rein in the negative outcome incurred by extreme critics. This will be a wax-and-wane game among different forces.

China needs critical voices, even though their first intention is to create confrontation. But China also needs to safeguard its political security against these voices. This principle of taking into account both sides must be assured as a consensus in all walks of life, especially among the intelligentsia.

This principle requires the Chinese government to establish its political leadership to avoid the laissez-faire movement of public opinion. Meanwhile, to optimize this kind of leadership demands the rule of law.

This means China must build a system of constructive criticism. Only in this way can the energy of society be reinvigorated and directed to real social development. This might take a long time, and more challenges will be waiting ahead.