Foreign ministry tops Chinese government agencies in first ever national press release assessment

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave the best press releases in 2016, according to an assessment released by China’s State Council Information Office (SCIO). The assessment covered 2016 press releases by 77 central government departments and institutions, 31 provinces, cities and districts and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The assessment, released on May 23, was the first of its kind.

Ten departments landed at the top of the rankings, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the China Banking Regulatory Commission. The eight regions recognized as outstanding were Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hunan, Guizhou and Shaanxi.

SCIO officials also pointed out that there are still challenges surrounding press releases in China, though the situation is overall improved.

“Some departments and regions still need to improve their press release ability, efficacy and frequency, responding to social concerns in a timely manner and establishing a system for regular press releases,” said one official.