China PM calls for more transparent government affairs

Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday that making power open and transparent is the most effective way to combat corruption. Li made the remarks at a State Council meeting dedicated to anti-corruption work, the first such meeting held by the new cabinet. Li urged authorities to disclose information related to environmental pollution, food safety and production safety that is related to the vital interests of the people, as well as to tell the public the truth in an active and timely fashion. The premier asked all levels of government to detail and deepen the openness of their budgets and final accounts, as well as their government-funded overseas trips, vehicles and receptions. Governments at or above the prefectural level should also disclose their expenditures for government-funded receptions starting this year, he said. The way information is disclosed by the government should be easily understood by the public, he said.