Netizens change China's political landscape

By Li Huizi (Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-28 14:49

"I LOVE BAOBAO"

Netizens, who dubbed themselves fans of Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, created a website called "Shijinbabaofans" in Chinese last September.

The site collected accounts of Hu and Wen's activities, remarks and photos and allowed the public to post suggestions about government work.

Fans' formed Internet words using Hu and Wen's name such as "Brother Tao" and "I love Baobao". The latter was brought to the spotlight when overseas Chinese students carried a large banner with the four Chinese characters during Wen's recent European visit.

Anonymous fans also built a home page for Wen on the popular social networking website Facebook. Foreigners and overseas Chinese students, among others, posted praise and criticism for the work of the Chinese government.

Some local Chinese politicians also have their own websites which provide a space for the public to lodge complaints.

President Hu said in June that he would "seriously read and study" on-line postings sent to him by netizens.

Observers believe the "grassroots democracy," reflected by the interaction on the Internet between the public and the leadership, shows that netizens have become a constructive force in public affairs.

But they also warn that relevant laws are needed to better regulate and improve online activity.

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