The government will provide comprehensive service to the foreign
media next year with timely dissemination of more authoritative
information, Minister of the State Council Information Office Cai
Wu pledged Tuesday.
He noted the improved service provided to foreign journalists
during the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China
in October was much appreciated.
"They (the foreign media) welcomed the unprecedented openness of
the congress and the service provided during the period," Cai told
China Daily.
"This is a good sign, and we will continue to be more open in
the coming year, and provide satisfactory service for all
media."
Addressing a New Year reception for the media, Cai said the
country is braced for some of the most exciting moments in its
modern history.
Next year will see an array of important events, including the
Beijing Olympic Games and the 30th anniversary of China's reform
and opening up.
An estimated 30,000 foreign journalists are expected next summer
in Beijing to cover the Games.
Cai promised that China would "comprehensively" implement the
State Council order granting foreign journalists more freedom to
report in China in the run-up to, and during, the Games.
"Please set your minds at rest we Chinese always keep our
promise," Cai told foreign journalists attending the reception,
which drew more than 300 representatives from ministries, embassies
and news organizations.
"We will further improve our news briefing system and improve
the quality of the news service," said Cai.
"At the same time, we sincerely hope that through efforts by
friends in the media circles we present to people around the world
a true China that adheres to reform and opening up, promotes
harmonious development and commits itself to building a moderately
prosperous society," he said.
Over the past year, the office held more than 70 press
conferences and issued several white papers on food and product
quality as well as the country's political system.
Seiichiro Yamaguchi, Beijing bureau chief of Fuji Television
Network, said China has been opening more fields to foreign
reporters with more ministries holding press conferences this
year.
"I hope the mechanism can continue, and improve," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2007)