Wednesday, April 30, 2008

New Chinese information rules to promote government transparency

Very important development if you are a China watcher. Peoples Daily just reported China's State Council issued 22 new rules governing the Chinese citizen's "rights to know" on numerous government activities.

"The regulation includes a "freedom of information" provision that gives the public, whether individuals or organizations, the right to request government information by making a written application (paper or electronic)."

The report acknowledged many citizens had issues with local governments illegal land grabs. The new rules give citizens a legal recourse in first obtaining information. If there is injustice, citizens can then sue the government. This is no doubt a huge development for China to make the government more accountable and transparent.

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