Spokesmen examine role in China's image

A group of leading government spokesmen and spokeswomen exchanged their views on how to tell China's story in a positive way to the world, during the nation's first forum organized for professionals in official communication roles on Saturday.

More than 80 spokesmen and spokeswomen, experts, scholars and heads of media gathered in Shanghai to share their opinions on news publishing. Topics included new media, guiding public opinion when hot issues arise and creating a positive national image as Chinese companies expand globally.

China's spokesman system can be traced to the early 1980s. After more than three decades of development, it has become a witness, participant, facilitator and contributor in China's reform, opening-up and modernization, according to Jiang Jianguo, minister of the State Council Information Office.