A draft regulation on the release of government information has
been approved in principle by the State Council, China's cabinet,
to promote government transparency.
The regulation has prescriptions on the range of government
information, release methods and procedure, and supervision. It
will be promulgated by the State Council for implementation after
further amendments.
The release of government information will focus on issues of
utmost importance to the public to safeguard the public's right to
know, according to information from the State Council on
Wednesday.
The regulation is viewed as a move by the government to improve
efficiency and prevent abuses of power.
The State Council also approved the revised law on animal
epidemic prevention on Wednesday, and it will be submitted to the
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or China's
top legislature, for deliberation.
The revised law has more stipulations on animal epidemic alarms,
recognition of epidemics and management of veterinarians.
The meeting was chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.
(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2007)