After a deadly high-speed train collision occurred in east China's city of Wenzhou last year, Ministry of Railways spokesman Wang Yongping told reporters "whether you believe it or not, I believe it" when asked why the front carriage of the train was buried just one day after the crash, as two-year-old crash survivor Xiang Weiyi had been rescued from one of the train's cars shortly before it was to be buried, which Wang described as "a miracle."
Many saw his statement as insincere and irresponsible. He was subsequently sacked from his post.
In other cases, authorities respect the public's right to know the truth by disclosing information, rather than hiding it. Rumors often spread faster than truth, making it all the more important for the government to respond to public concerns in an open and timely manner.
Publicity and transparency have become a basic principle for authorities when conducting exchanges with the public in recent years. The country's top leaders have communicated with Internet users via online fora, and many local governments and departments have opened their own microblog accounts.
Many government departments have established spokesman systems in recent years as well. In 2008, a regulation pertaining to information transparency went into effect.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) considers maintaining close relations with the public to be a political advantage. Sound interaction between authorities and the public can consolidate these relations and help to improve all aspects of the CPC's governance.
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling
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