Wu has also brought China's top legislature into a new phase of foreign exchanges. So far, the NPC has established regular exchange mechanisms with the European Parliament as well as congresses and parliaments of 14 countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan and India.

Amiable style

Despite his high ranking, Wu never puts on official airs.

He often jokes with the staff working for him, impressing them with no political jargons but "plain words" and "practical acts". His amiable and simple talks, however, are often sparkled with philosophical thinking, as reflected in his discussions with his work staff about a wide range of easy topics in spare time.

When meeting foreign guests in frigid winter, Wu often reminds them to put on more clothes for fear of catching cold.

Sources close to him believe that his hard struggle and life experiences in early years have enabled him to nurture profound affections toward the people at the grassroots and foster a down-to-earth style of work.

Wu, born in 1941, went to study in the Radio and Electronics Department of the prestigious Qinghua University in 1960. After graduation in 1967, he was assigned to work in the Shanghai No. 3 Electronic Tube Factory as operator, porter and furnaceman. When he assumed his post as a standing committee member of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, his five-member, three-generation family were still living in an 11-square meter room, using a coalball-fueled stove and wooden closestool like other common families.

The top lawmaker bears in mind the well-being of the masses. While joining group discussions with deputies from various regions of the country during the NPC's annual full sessions, he often asks such questions as whether the existing laws and regulations have addressed public concerns, whether the common people can afford a lawsuit and whether the poor have moved out of the shantytown.

Wu likes to read or play tennis in spare time. Though busy with work, he still manages to spare some time watching TV plays with his wife, Zhang Ruizhen.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 16, 2008)