"The internet has become the most powerful media in every government official's daily life," said Steven Dong, adviser to the State Council on publicity and crisis communications.

Dong pointed to the practice of cyber- vigilantism - which is a rising trend in the mainland.

It refers to regular internet users researching personal information about and putting pressure on individuals perceived to have acted badly.

"Last year, we had over 84 government officials who were [affected by cyber-vigilantism] and one-third of them lost their jobs."

In one high-profile case, a Shenzhen official was sacked last year after videos of his misconduct in a restaurant appeared online, causing an outcry.

More recently, a wealthy 20-year-old was sentenced to three years in jail after he ran over a pedestrian during a drag race in the eastern city of Hangzhou.

The case sparked outrage on the internet.

Users were not only up in arms over the incident but also began to raise questions about Hangzhou's deputy mayor over unrelated issues.

They also alleged that the boy who appeared in court was not the perpetrator.

"I would say we need a law to regulate the internet, otherwise we will soon realize that normal people can be affected," Dong said.

"This is not the right way to help democracy, to help the majority of people's interests. It will just create more turbulence in politics."

Dong, a former news presenter for state-run China Central Television, was speaking to reporters yesterday about the country's media strategy.

He said the openness demonstrated in Urumqi would continue. Media were allowed into the Xinjiang capital when ethnic violence erupted last month.

"If we have further crises, I think we will stick to that kind of way."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE