China's E-Government
In October 2004, the largest and most advanced wireless
digital network for government affairs in China officially became operational in
Beijing.
The network provides special services mainly to Party and government
organizations as well as some large state-owned enterprises
With 93 established base stations located in significant areas around
Beijing, the network plays a leading role in coordinating government affairs at
different levels, ranging from inter-office communication to traffic control and
from fire control to flood prevention and emergency response.
Technology is also playing a vital role in the establishment of a more
transparent and efficient government.
A State
Council official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that so far, central
government agencies have used the web to deliver and publicize various
documents.
For example, in November 2004, the Beijing government launched an information
retrieval system that gives convenient access to legal and administrative
information. People can easily download (get easy access to) information on
current legal documents, administrative regulations, and announcements of the
Beijing local government. Included in the system is a facility allowing people
to write letters or leave messages to heads of relevant government agencies, a
useful tool for those wanting to complain about services. Public information on
administrative licenses and industrial standards can also be found on the
system. The official added that the long-awaited central-government portal
would be launched in the near future.
In the vast western regions of China, however, many government officials face
cyber difficulties. The China Internet Network Information Center£¨CNNIC£© study
showed that only 10 percent of the websites in China are in less developed
regions, like West China, illustrating a technology gap.
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