By expanding its presence on social media sites, the Communist Party would be able to "handle hot topics effectively, strengthen the online mainstream public opinion and improve the 'ecology' of online public opinion." Referring to Weibo, China's answer to Twitter, Mr Lu said propaganda officials should: "Browse on Weibo, set up Weibo accounts, send Weibo [messages and] study Weibo." Mr Lu's comments come weeks after Beijing appeared to tighten its control over the internet by announcing new regulations that, if enforced, would require users to register their real names before using the service.