A senior Chinese official said Tuesday that China will make its first state information-oriented strategy this year.

The strategy would be published before the end of the year, said Zhao Xiaofan with the State Council Informatization Office.

Zhao said his office would initiate the drafting of a regulation on publicizing government information.

"The regulation would be delivered to the State Council for deliberation and is likely to be issued within the year," said Zhao.

In 2005, the Informatization Office will also work on legislation to create a good environment for informatization, including creating laws dealing with information safety and the protection of minors online.

China will continue to promote online government forums and information, e-commerce and development of information resources, Zhao said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2005)