Others, such as Zhang Weiqing, former director of the National Population and Family Planning Commission, and Health Minister Chen Zhu were much more media-friendly: They made stops and answered questions with smiles.

But while the new plan increased orderliness, there were occasional bouts of chaos.

On the first day of the NPC session, China's then top work safety chief Li Yizhong, who was named as minister of industry and information yesterday, was the first senior official to greet the press. Sensing they had found a sympathetic ear, reporters surged forward and outside of their designated zone. Once again, chaos reigned at the entrance.

A newly elected CPPCC member, who happened to be passing by, appeared shocked by the scene.

"What happened? What's the matter?" he asked nearby members in a seemingly surprised and anxious tone.

(China Daily March 18, 2008)