China takes down over 16,000 government websites

Of the over 84,000 government websites in China, more than 16,000 have been taken down for poor service since the end of November, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The State Council released the results of its first government website census earlier in the day, Xinhua news agency reported.

Problems found at websites include failing to timely update information and reply enquiries, as well as serious mistakes in content.

According to the statement, government websites enjoy social credibility, and have emerged to become a major platform that have improved governance and advanced China's "Internet Plus" action plan in government services.

The central government has called for better management and supervision over government sites, to ensure the public receive better services, the statement added.