China Vows Openness.

It seems as though Obama fervor has even reached the Far East. On Thursday, March 5th, 2009, the Premier of China, Wen Jiabao chatted with the country's 1.3 billion population in his first internet debut. He was sent nearly 150,000 questions and answered quite a few in efforts to give transparency to the Chinese government. Here is an excerpt from his opening message:

Wen Jiabao: “Dear Netizens, I am very glad to talk with you on the Internet
today, shortly before the beginning of the two national meetings. I have always
believed that the public has the right to know what its government is doing and
thinking about, and the right to criticize and make comments on government
policies. The government needs also to seek people’s feedback and ideas in order
to make sound policy decisions, and it should make administrative affairs public
and decision-making democratic. This is the first time I communicate with the
public through the Internet. Since it’s my first time, I am a little bit
nervous. But I have always remembered the words my mother often told me — No
matter whom you are talking to, be honest with them, and speak from your heart.
She was diagnosed with cerebral thrombosis a few days ago, and has almost lost
her eyesight. But I bear her words dearly in my heart. I think that this is a
chance for me to talk to you from the bottom of my heart. I will be honest with
you, tell you truthful information, and listen to your truthful voices.

For more of the story, go here to the Washington Post.