When China's top legislature released draft amendments to gather public opinion on the Law on Science and Technology Progress, Philip Lee was eager to offer ideas.

Lee runs a business in Jiangmen that supplies specialized plastic. The resins are an essential raw material for almost every daily item, from small home appliances to electric car parts. 

"Being in the high-tech manufacturing sector, it's very exciting to have been invited to help revise the law. I remember staying up until 11 o'clock one evening, discussing with my research and development team," said Lee, the president of Guangdong Dosn Sci-Tech Company.

"We hope the law will provide stronger protection for our research, more resources for the industry, as well as better rewards and recognition for our high-tech talent."

Lee started his first company in Hong Kong 16 years ago, but he saw great potential in Jiangmen's manufacturing supply chain and government incentives. "Jiangmen has a strong industrial foundation and a diverse culture with influences from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (in southern China), as well as a vibrant workforce with people coming from northern China."

He believes the city's ties with the Chinese diaspora overseas make it an ideal place not just for business, but where the authorities can tap into a reservoir of legislative ideas.  

"It's a good window to share thoughts and correct misunderstandings. For example, we've raised awareness about the National Security Law and Anti-Secession Law here," said Lee, who also serves as vice chairman of the Jiangmen Overseas Chinese Enterprise Federation.

"We've also discussed it with our friends and relevant groups in Hong Kong about what these laws mean. We hope they can see that freedom is in the stability that allows us to grow our businesses and live happily."

Every voice matters

One in five residents of Hong Kong and Macao have roots in Jiangmen, according to a district people's congress official.

The city of 4 million people is playing a major role in implementing China's "whole-process democracy," a concept introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and emphasizing hearing voices at all levels of governance.

The Jiangcui community in a subdistrict of Jiangmen has been part of those voices since 2015, when the city first established grassroots-level contact stations.

The community of 8,000 residents has hosted many discussions about new or revised laws covering a wide range of topics, from national security to domestic violence and minors' protection. In recent weeks, they have been offering recommendations on regulations to prevent food waste.

Li Yanhua is one of 63 coordinators in the district tasked with collecting opinions. 

"We often go door to door so people can participate in lawmaking without even leaving their homes. We log those opinions without adding any legal jargon in order to reflect their most genuine views," said Li, chief coordinator at Jianghai District Grassroots Contact Station.

Residents in Jianghai contributed to 32 laws and regulations just one year after their district became a national-level contact point. 

"Unlike the West, we don't have universal suffrage or the theatrics that come with 'one man, one vote.' But we elect deputies in the district people's congresses. They represent our needs and take them to top legislators," Li explained. 

Jianghai is one of 22 national-level grassroots contact stations across China and the first in Guangdong Province. Li expects more will be rolled out nationwide, forming a network of diverse communities that will help shape the nation's future. 

"Whole-process democracy means people can directly and continuously participate in governing our country. The grassroots contact stations are evidence that China's democratic system is becoming more inclusive," Li said.

(Cover: Business owner Philip Lee speaks to CGTN reporter. /CGTN)