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yuiyoshida

(41,765 posts)
Tue Apr 19, 2016, 10:37 AM Apr 2016

China's Xi tells Party to go online to ease public concerns



BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on Communist Party officials to use the internet to better understand citizens and address their grievances, said state media, as an economic downturn sparks popular frustration.

The party should be patient with internet users, resolve difficulties and correct erroneous opinions in a timely manner, said Xi, according to Xinhua.

The government is embracing the internet as a key space in which to shape public discourse, an increasingly pressing issue as discontent spreads amongst the growing number of people hit by the economic slowdown.

More broadly, the ruling Communist Party sees technology as crucial for bolstering its economy, which grew at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in the first quarter, its weakest pace since early 2009.

In an effort to shape public opinion online, Xi's government has implemented an unprecedented tightening of internet controls and sought to codify the policy within the law, a campaign that critics say ignores human rights and is a burden for business.

Officials say Internet restrictions are needed to ensure security in the face of rising threats such as terrorism and foreign ideology that could destabilize China.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-s-xi-tells-party-to/2711076.html

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