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Wen's online chat a display of democracy's progress in China
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-03 07:41
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Wen's online chat a display of democracy's progress in China
The recent online conversation Premier Wen Jiabao had with netizens shows the government is serious about meeting the needs and redressing the grievances of the people, says an article on Xinhua.net. Excerpts:
Premier Wen Jiabao's chat with some netizens on Saturday reflects the progress that democracy has made in China. The Internet offers a relatively equal platform for people to voice their grievances and views. In Saturday's conversation, netizens communicated with Premier Wen as equals while discussing crucial social issues and ways to overcome bureaucratic barriers and red tape.
Online forums are a vital place to feel the pulse of the people. Through online communication, Wen and the government can know what the people need and what they are worried about. The government can use the channel to improve people's welfare, too.
The Internet channels the infinite wisdom of about 400 million Chinese netizens that a government for the people should listen to, learn from and make use of for better governance.
Wen's online conversation shows that the government believes in the principle of "people first". In this digital age, the government is becoming more efficient and transparent, and people's rights to information, expression and participation are being better protected.
(China Daily 03/03/2010 page9)
