Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) prepares to chat with Internet surfers on two state news portals in Beijing, China, Feb. 28, 2009. [Xinhua]
President Obama is not the only leader making use of the Web. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held a two-hour online Q & A with the public on Saturday. He received nearly 90,000 questions ranging from concerns about the financial crisis to health care and government reforms.
China Daily:
"I always think that people have the right to know what the government is thinking and doing, and voice their criticism of government policy," Wen said in the Internet forum.
One person criticized soaring real estate prices in recent years and asked why macro economic policies did not work for curbing unreasonable price hikes.
One asked for more favorable policies for private business owners and an effective way to protect their interests.
Another asked Wen whether the government will consider introducing more pro-active policies for attracting overseas talent against the backdrop of economic sluggishness in many developed economies.
The websites advise that each question should be no more than 100 Chinese characters to ensure smooth on-line flow.
Netizens also proffered tens of thousands of questions as well as advice for Wen on several Chinese news portals, which organized special bulletins ahead of the legislature and the top advisory body's annual sessions.
A university graduate complained it is too hard to find a job.
Netizen "Dingxinwan" wondered what the government will do to rein in soaring housing prices.
Posted by Reid at March 2, 2009 12:33 PM