China on Tuesday unveiled rules promising to expose its government to greater transparency and give citizens more say in policy.

Related readings: Landmark decree to encourage gov't transparency China to audit gov't energy consumption Gov't affairs to be made more transparent Regulation issued to promote government transparency Easier access to gov't regulations CPC leader calls for more transparency in government work

The transparency regulations, signed by Premier Wen Jiabao, will empower citizens to demand information about government finances and economic plans, statistics, land development, environmental regulations and many other policies, the Xinhua news agency announced.

The rules will ensure that "citizens, corporations and other organisations can obtain government information according to the law, improving the transparency of government work and encouraging administration according to the law," stated the rules issued on the government Web site (www.gov.cn).

The rules say that information released "should not harm state security, economic security or social stability".

Premier Wen and other leaders have promised incremental political reforms to meet those rising demands.

The rules take effect from May next year, and administrators have been ordered to prepare for information requests.

"Administrative organs should swiftly and accurately release government information," the rules urge.