Abstract: Throughout China's successive rounds of institutional reform, the establishment of new agencies reflects the developmental characteristics and future directions of the public sector in different periods. The appointment logic for inaugural leaders has emerged as a critical issue. This study analyzes information concerning the inaugural directors of prefectural Emergency Management Bureaus (EMBs) in China. The findings reveal that older male local officials are more likely to be appointed as inaugural EMB directors, with the Han ethnicity constituting the overwhelming majority. In ethnic regions, minority officials are appointed based on local circumstances. To ensure stable management during the initial establishment phase, an overwhelming majority of these inaugural directors are members of the Communist Party of China. To ensure the overall quality of inaugural directors, officials with a bachelor's degree or higher are generally selected, although educational attainment is not the primary determining factor. Officials with relevant prior work experience are more likely to be appointed. Furthermore, due to the urgency of institutional reform and the unique nature of emergency system operations, the tenure of inaugural EMB directors is shorter than the average tenure for directors of pre-existing departments. Read More

Abstract: In the process of the development and application of artificial intelligence technology in government public management, data has gradually become an important resource for realizing the modernization of government governance system and governance capacity, as well as improving the level of government intelligence. The article focuses on analyzing the data governance dilemma and its causes faced by government public management under the background of artificial intelligence, and discusses aspects such as data itself, technological support, management systems, and social concepts. Finally, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions are provided, such as creating a high-quality data resource environment, improving technical support and security levels, improving institutional norms and collaborative networks, and building a shared and friendly social atmosphere, in order to contribute to enhancing the data management level of Chinese governments at all levels, promoting the process of intelligent public management, and realizing the modernization of national governance capacity and governance system. Read More

Abstract: Against the backdrop of digital transformation in the archival undertaking in Chinese archival sector, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) offers a new technological pathway for the development of archival information resources. This study explores the application of GenAI in this domain, drawing upon representative cases from Chinese archival sector. It systematically analyzes the primary challenges of traditional archival development models concerning efficiency, format, and service delivery. Furthermore, it examines specific practical applications of GenAI in scenarios such as intelligent Q&A, intelligent compilation and research, archival restoration, and multimodal content creation. The research reveals how GenAI is driving transformations in archival development methodologies, service models, and the forms of outcomes. Concurrently, it identifies new challenges posed by GenAI regarding data security, technical thresholds, ethical norms, and talent development. Based on these findings, the paper proposes countermeasures and suggestions focusing on top-level design, data foundations, technical pathways, and talent cultivation, aiming to provide references for the intelligent transformation of archival institutions in China. Read More

Abstract: Cyberviolence, as a side effect of increasing internet penetration, is now prevalent worldwide. To combat the risks and acts of cyberviolence, in 2024, the Chinese government implemented its special regulation over ‘cyberviolence information’. These new ‘Provisions’ not only constitute an important part of the Chinese cybersecurity framework but also advance it from a reactive model to a proactive model, from governing behaviours to governing information. More notably, it greatly expands platforms’ role in cyber governance and empowers them to carry out content moderation and manage user accounts. However, ‘cyberviolence information’ is too broad and inaccurate of a legal concept to be used for censoring online speech and over-criminalizing legitimate communication. The strategy of ‘privatization of regulation’ and the empowered ‘digital Leviathan’ also pose severe threats to future Chinese development of the rule of law and democracy. Read More

Abstract: The development of cultural-tourism projects and the pursuit of high-quality development for ice-and-snow cultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province carry diversified value: they not only support the region’s strategic development, but also contribute to the protection and transmission of ice-and-snow cultural heritage. However, due to inherent challenges in heritage transformation and practical constraints at the market and industry levels, Heilongjiang still faces multiple bottlenecks in moving from “resources” to “high-quality products.” Therefore, effective strategies should include: systematically mapping and deeply mining core resources, designing themed experiential routes, creating scenario-based and immersive projects, and continuously extending the industrial chain while promoting four-season integration. Read More