BEIJING, Feb. 17  -- China's central authority has published a guideline calling for improved openness in government affairs at all levels.

Issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, the guideline said openness in government issues is a basic feature of a government ruled by law.

Openness should be the normal state, the guideline said, calling for stimulation of creativity and market vigor.

Openness in government affairs will be significantly improved and public participation will be increased, said the guideline.

It called for a system to make the decision-making process public and open to public opinion as well as the opinions of stakeholders, experts and media.

Transparency in public services and implementing major reforms, policies and projects will also be improved.

The guideline called for the public to be more involved in government affairs and for the sharing of government big data resources. Explanations of policies should also be strengthened, especially through press conferences.

The guideline urged enhanced openness in official government websites, platforms for publicizing official information, and responding to the public's concerns.