New app helps State Council reach out

Screenshot of the State Council's Chinese-version mobile app. The app will be used mainly to release major decisions by the State Council and publicize major policy documents. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The State Council launched its Chinese-language mobile app on Friday, in the latest move to raise government information transparency.

The State Council app, with technological support from China Daily, will publicize major decisions by the State Council and policy documents, according to the State Council's website.

It will also cover activities of senior State Council officials and serve as a channel for the government to interact with the public.

The app is now available on store platforms such as Apple Store, 360 Mobile Assistant and Tencent App Store.

Launching the app reflects the government's desire to be innovative in releasing information and its wish to get the public involved in the government's decision-making process. It is also a way to improve government services, according to the website.

The app, which is managed by the General Office of the State Council, also allows the public to offer suggestions on government work, as well as feedback on policy drafts.

Now that the new app has been launched, said Peng Shujie, deputy secretary-general of the State Council, government officials should have an Internet-based mindset when communicating with users.

Kuang Wenbo, a professor of new media at the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said launching the app is a wise move that will help government officials better communicate with the public.

"The Chinese government has been sincere in trying to improve communications with the public and raise transparency in government affairs. The launching of the app is a very positive move because it increases interactions between the State Council and the people," Kuang said.

John Smagula, an associate professor of law at Tsinghua University, said the app will bring its users closer to the government and help people better understand government policies.

"Compared with the website, a mobile app will help people learn about government policies on a more frequent basis," Smagula said.

Jia Wenshan, a professor of communications at Remin University of China, said: "I think the most important strategy for the Chinese government to be open and transparent about government affairs is to train officials to acquire new media competence and new media literacy."

The English-language mobile app is scheduled to come out later this year.