China website boosts social network presence

The official website of the Chinese government, www.gov.cn, created two more microblog accounts on Wednesday, following its previous entry into social networks in October. The website, which is run by the General Office of the State Council, China's cabinet, started microblog accounts on Sina Weibo and people.com.cn. Since Oct. 11, the website has operated two microblog accounts at xinhuanet.com and qq.com, as well as an account on WeChat, a hugely popular Chinese messaging app with over 400 million users. The website will publish important government information through these online platforms, according to a statement from the website. The Chinese government website has been in operation since January 2006 and publishes information about the activities of senior officials of the State Council, important cabinet meetings, as well as policies and regulations. These attempts are a display of the central government's willingness to approach the public and improve transparency in the age of the Internet.