Since the mid-1990s China has devoted considerable resources to developing its informatization strategy and conducted extensive research to determine the appropriate framework and goals for building an information society.1 Strong leadership at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, combined with a sustained, long-term focus from the highest levels of the Chinese government on developing information and communication technology (ICT), have given ICT a prominent role in sustainable development strategies and ensured its application to core economic and social goals.