The internet and China’s foreign policy making: The impact of online public opinions as a new societal force

The development of the internet in China has occurred at a geometric rate. Cyber forums in particular are yielding more and more impact on the society and many aspects of the country’s social structure and political system, including policy making, an area in which the participation of ordinary people has long been inhibited. An increasing number of people are using the Internet to express their views on economic, political and social issues and to attempt to make changes, despite the fact that participation in online discussion is imbalanced across the nation due to a variety of limitations.