China´s media briefing system

China's State Council Information Office has just held its last press conference of the year in Beijing. Its head, Cai Wu, says the Office has promoted media cooperation and exchanges with the rest of world. He also spoke on China's news releases.

The Minister of the State Council Information Office, Cai Wu, says independent press briefings in various ministries, departments and regions have made progress.

Cai Wu said, "So far, the State Council Information Office has invited senior officials from central and state organs 72 times. Press conferences independently held by various central departments has totaled 547. And 789 press briefings have been held by provincial-level governments."

Cai Wu noted other features of this year's press conferences.

Topics dealt with energy conservation and pollution reduction, public welfare, and food and product safety.

These major topics caught public attention at home and abroad.

The minister says the quality has improved in the release of information about the Communist Party of China.

The Information Office invited officials from the Central Commission for Inspection and Central Organization Department to hold press briefings.

And for the first time, Chinese and foreign reporters were invited to visit the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Cai Wu says the Information Office has strengthened training of spokespersons across the country.

The office has also put together a manual on government news releases.