Promotion of young officials should be encouraged: newspaper

BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A commentary that ran in the Thursday edition of the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has called for the creation of more opportunities for China's young officials.

Fostering the development of outstanding young officials is of significant importance for the Party and the country's development, according to the article's author, Zhong Zuwen.

The article is believed to be a response to the furor triggered by Jiao Sanniu, a 23-year-old college graduate who was promoted to deputy county head, a post generally occupied by more experienced officials, in northwest China's Gansu Province. In recent years, promotions of young officials to important positions have triggered corruption concerns.

The obsolete practice of choosing officials according to their age and work experience should be abandoned, the commentary said, calling on the public to give more understanding and support for young officials.

Efforts should be made to encourage young officials who work in the country's less-developed regions, the article said.

The article suggested improving and innovating the selection process for government officials, stressing the importance of fair play, transparency and proper supervision.

The commentary also called for measures to eliminate corruption in the selection process.