The Chinese government supports the development of Internet and the management of the Internet conforms to international common practice, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday.

Being the people's government, it should subject to the democratic supervision from the masses, and listen to the various opinions on the Internet, said Wen.

He noted that the Internet is developing rapidly in China. Up to now, the number of netizens has exceeded 100 million. The Chinese government supports the development and wide application of the Internet.

The premier made the remarks at a press conference shortly after the closing of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

Only when supervised by people, will the government not be slack in its work; only when every one bears his/her responsibility, will every cause of the country develop smoothly, Wen said.

China's Constitution stipulates that every citizen has the right and freedom of using the Internet, at the same time every citizen should consciously abide by the laws and regulations and safeguard national and social interests, the premier said.

China's management of the Internet is strictly based on law. In the meantime, China calls for self-discipline and self-management of the Internet industry, Wen said.

"Websites should convey correct information, rather than mislead people and bring negative impact on the social order," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2006)