During an inspection tour of east China's Zhejiang Province, Li,also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), emphasized that the voice of the people should be heard constantly and regularly.

Officials should be grateful to, rather than repulsed by, those who make criticisms, and they should provide opportunities for people to speak frankly, he said.

Hearing the voices of the broad masses should be a necessary part of the process of decision making, Li added.

The "Three Emphases" drive, especially that at the county-level, which calls for education in theoretical study, political awareness, and good conduct, is of great importance to the nation, he said.

Li noted that the counties and cities are very important leadership levels, because they forms a connecting link between the upper leadership and the townships and countryside.

Between February 21 and 24, Li inspected the cities of Yuhang, Hangzhou, and Jiaxing, and visited enterprises and economic development zones, and several families of local farmers.