Four musicians attending the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference have made a proposal to protect the right of "art criticism" in order to root out "fake cultures".

The proposal follows the notorious case last year in which the art journal Art Criticism lost it's suit against Xuan Ke, a promoter of Naxi ancient music who was campaigning for it be recognized by UNESCO as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage".

The journal was accused of impinging Xuan Ke's reputation by publishing an article questioning the real identity of the "living fossil of Chinese music" and its credentials to apply for the prestigious UNESCO list.

Ye Xiaogang, one of the musicians says criticism of the arts should be allowed and encouraged, as it is the drive behind art development.

Ye also says that the verdict of the court is incomprehensible and there is little evidence that the so-called oldest music is a unique culture which originated thousands of years ago.

(CRI.com March 11, 2005)