Group 1 - Experts' opinions are considered important references for policy-making in China's modernization process, but not all suggestions withstand scrutiny and some may lead to serious consequences [1] - Zhang Weiying, a prominent economist, proposed the abolition of minimum wage standards in 2019, arguing that market forces should determine wages to reduce costs for businesses and increase employment opportunities [5][27] - This suggestion sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it overlooks the basic rights of workers and could lead to significant wage reductions, impacting their livelihoods [17][27] Group 2 - Lang Xianping advocated for a fairer income distribution system in 2020, highlighting China's high Gini coefficient of 0.47, which exceeds the international warning line of 0.4 [19] - He suggested policy adjustments, such as increasing taxes on high-income groups and subsidizing low-income earners, but this could undermine market incentives and innovation [19][29] - The average income distribution could lead to inefficiencies, as seen in historical examples like the Soviet Union's planned economy [21] Group 3 - He Weifang called for the abolition of the death penalty in 2021, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the irreversible risks of judicial errors [11][21] - His views faced criticism for being out of touch with public sentiment, as over 70% of respondents in a 2019 survey believed the death penalty deters serious crimes [23][31] - The Chinese government has maintained the death penalty, citing its role in crime deterrence and public safety [23][31] Group 4 - Han Han proposed reforms to the college entrance examination system in 2022, advocating for a shift towards quality education and personalized development for students [13][25] - His suggestions received mixed reactions, with concerns that abolishing the exam could exacerbate educational inequality, particularly for rural students [25][29] - The current examination system is viewed as one of the fairest selection mechanisms, providing opportunities for students from various backgrounds [25] Group 5 - Wang Xiaobo's idea of direct democracy, suggesting the elimination of representative systems, has been debated posthumously, with scholars noting the impracticality in a populous nation like China [27][33] - The Chinese government continues to uphold a representative system, emphasizing efficiency in responding to social needs [33] - The discussions surrounding these experts' suggestions highlight the need for policies that consider China's complex realities, balancing theoretical ideals with practical implications [33][35]