A recent survey conducted by Tsinghua University in Beijing shows that about 70% of more than 600 local officials across China have connected with the public through email, blog, BBS, or online surveys.

An article in China's leading Newspaper, 'the People's Daily', says utilizing today's Internet technology to create an E-government provides a significant opportunity for governmental organizations to improve efficiency and accountability.

The article points out that although some information on the Internet is not reliable; it's still an effective way to connect directly with the public. Meanwhile, the decision-making process can become more transparent by providing detailed information or conducting public opinion surveys on the net.

The article adds that government officials have two online roles. On the one hand, they are common netizens, who should communicate with others freely on an equal footing. This way, they can gather comprehensive first-hand information. On the other hand, as a government official, he or she should also take responsibility to help create a healthy Internet environment where people can freely voice their opinions.