A full list of members of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was announced on Friday by the Standing Committee of the 11th CPPCC National Committee. According to the list, of the 2,237 in total, 1,080 members are new.

The new members include many from the entertainment sector and media industries. Nobel laureate Mo Yan, top entertainer Zhao Benshan, and veteran media professional Liu Chun, also an active public affairs commentator, are among the members who caught public attention.

The CPPCC exists as the country's patriotic united front organization with broad representation. As a political advisory body, it was designed to play an active role in China's political affairs and international exchanges. However, it has been criticized by the public for the limited effect it has made in the political arena. A CPPCC membership is seen by many as an honorable title granted to retired officials or celebrities. They haven't been expected to make tangible contributions to enhancing democracy.

Changes can be found when viewed from a historical perspective. The number of CPPCC National Committee members has increased from 180 in 1949 to 2,237 for the 12th CPPCC National Committee today. Although the CPPCC has continuously adjusted the makeup of the members, it didn't dispel public discontent over the representation and function of the political body.

The inclusion of members such as Liu Chun shows that officials have noticed public expectations. In the future, the number of such colorful CPPCC members will grow and they will bring more openness and perhaps sharpness into the operation of CPPCC. Whether the government and the public agree with their proposals or not, the representation of the CPPCC is becoming increasingly broader.

The function of the CPPCC lies in political participation and deliberation. Controversy is supposed to exist in such a political organ, to better carry out its functions.

Within the Weibo sphere, there are also questions regarding whether figures such as Liu Chun will be able to maintain their approach, or whether they will simply become compliant once becoming CPPCC members. The vitality of the advisory body lies in its inclusiveness of diverse opinions and the ability to spur debate on issues of public concern. Meanwhile, members are also expected to help make the democratic transformation of the country smooth.