China’s key departments were urged by the State Council to hold more news conferences--minimum four times a year--and encouraged their heads to meet the media at least once a year to speed up the release of government information.
The State Council Information Office's minister, Jiang Jianguo, emphasized the vitality of this intensified effort during a working conference on the timely release of information on Thursday.
The minister also stated that his office has already released guidelines and instructions on the release and dissemination of information.
The instructions require the top officials of the ministries closely related to economic affairs and social concerns to meet the media once every quarter at the very least.
These authorities are also obliged to attend news conferences held by the State Council at least twice annually, while department heads are compelled to attend once every year.
"We are seeking trust and have vowed to advance the credibility of the Party and the government," Wang Zhongwei, the State Council's deputy secretary-general, remarked.
Wang added: "Where do trust and credibility come from? The consensus around the globe is that trust starts from transparency and commitment."
Meanwhile, the ministries were also asked to invite media from abroad to their news conferences.
Various government departments were furthermore urged to entertain all calls during office hours as well as media invitations for interviews. Otherwise, they must explain how they cannot do so.
During the conference, the sensitivity of ministry spokesmen when it comes to answering issues, major or not, was also highlighted. The Information Office has asked for their "assistance and support," noting that inappropriate words are tolerated as long as the topic is not a key concern.
Currently, 25 government ministries hold regular media conferences.