A top government spokesman said an increasingly confident China is poised to become more open to the world and take concrete steps next year to build a "mass media system".

Wang Chen, director of the State Council Information Office, said the nation has also handled several crises over the past two years with more poise.

Addressing a New Year reception of more than 300 representative from major world news agencies and overseas diplomats stationed in Beijing as well as spokesmen from more than 40 central agencies, Wang said China is committed to provide a service for all journalists to ensure "comprehensive, in-time and accurate" understanding of China during the coming year.

In 2009, China has experienced several major events, Wang said, such as the global economic crisis, the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and the July 5 riot in the regional capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, which resulted in the deaths of at least 197 people.

Wang said China has been delivering on the open and timely release of information, giving as an example that China took the initiative to organize the foreign media to the riot-affected areas in Xinjiang to ensure open access.

After handling some public crises, "China has become more open and confident, and has made progress in media service," Wang told China Daily.

Wang said a major step will be undertaken next year to build up its modernized mass media system, which was already set in motion by the central government this year.

The soft power of an open and democratic China should match its developing economy, and that demands constant progress, said Wang.

The State Council Information Office will continue to enhance communication with the rest of the world of a civilized, open, democratic China, said Wang.

To build a "modern mass media system", major news agencies in the country will set up new branches, including two foreign language TV channels by China Central Television next year, according to Wang.