Foreign journalists "welcome in China"

Source: China Daily | 12-29-2006 15:26

The country's top information official yesterday said his office is a "constructive partner" to foreign journalists, whom he expects to report on China more objectively.

The State Council Information Office has not only been pushing publicity-shy officials to talk to the media, but also promised to help implement new regulations that give foreign journalists unprecedented freedom in reporting China.

"We cordially welcome international journalists to come and see China for themselves for interviews and exchanges," said Cai Wu. "Through your on-the-spot reporting and interviewing, I'm confident you will come to new conclusions on China."

Cai was speaking at the last press conference organized by the information office of the State Council China's cabinet this year, when it invited 59 ministers and vice-ministers to meet the media on 58 occasions.

Acknowledging "encouraging progress" made by the foreign media in covering China the volume of coverage rose by up to 40 per cent year-on-year Cai said the number of objective reports on the Chinese economy and society increased.

But, he said: "As for overseas reports on China's situation, I think the proportion of positive or totally objective stories is still quite small."