1982

The first media briefing to feature a specific spokesperson in China is held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qian Qichen, director of the ministry's information department, utters just three sentences, commenting on China's bilateral relationship with the USSR. The briefing is attended by more than 70 reporters, both Chinese and from overseas, but no questions are allowed.

1983

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially starts the spokesperson system. On April 23, a small number of spokespeople from other ministries are also introduced to the media.

1989

The State Council issues a statement insisting that the Chinese State media be briefed on domestic air crashes, marine disasters and rail and road accidents ahead of foreign media.

1993

The information office of the State Council begins holding media briefings and invites spokespeople from different ministries to attend.

2003

The first training camp for spokespeople from central and provincial governments is held in Beijing. During the following decade, the program is expanded to include more local spokespeople.

2008

The Open Government Information Regulation comes into effect.

2013

The State Council announces that its information office will organize regular media briefings to address public concerns over important policies and hot issues.

Heads of the central government departments overseeing macroeconomic development and people's livelihoods are required to attend the office's media briefings at least once a year, while departmental spokespeople must attend briefings once every quarter.

(China Daily USA 10/17/2013 page7)