Qingdao's online platform proves popular

For about 16 years, an online platform established by the government of Qingdao, Shandong province, has allowed residents to directly address their concerns to officials during livestreaming sessions. No issue is too trivial, and no question can be dodged.

The People's Livelihood Online platform was jointly set up in September 2009 by Qingdao authorities and Qingdao Daily, a local publication. It aims to enhance government transparency and public participation through the internet, fostering a service-oriented government that meets people's needs.

In the initial online interactions, heads of 19 city departments participated. The discussion drew as many as 250,000 participants, sparking significant public engagement, according to the Qingdao government.