The transparency of government information will be improved, according to new rules which took effect on May 1.

Rules on Openness of Government Information of China was passed by the 165th standing meeting of State Council on Jan 17 last year, and was publicized on April 24.

It stipulates that administrative organizations should make public government information on the basis of equity, fairness and convenience for people.

It includes organizations authorized by law to administer public affairs, the legal office of the State Council said.

Four categories of information are required to be made public: first, that which concerns the vital interests of citizens, legal people and other organizations; second, that which needs to be known or participated by the society and the public; third, that which reflects the framework, function and procedures of organizations; fourth, other information required to be made public by law.

The information should be publicized through government communiqus, websites or the press.

It also regulates that people can ask for government information they need, and lodge a complaint against administrative organizations that are not forthcoming.

Information that cannot be made public includes country secrets, business secrets and individual privacy.

Exceptions can be made where it would have a great influence if not made public.

The Ministry of Health is setting up a spokesperson system to coordinate with the new rule, Mao Qun'an, a ministry official, said.

The National Development and Reform Commission has launched a new website to update government information, and other ministries and regional governments are following suit.

(China Daily May 7, 2008)