China's Central Government now has 1,235 administrative approval items in total, after last years' extensive cull, according to a list published on March 17.

The list, available on the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform's website (Scopsr.gov.cn), lists the items that come under 60 central government departments. For each item, the list spells out the responsible authority, approval object and its legal basis.

Publication of the list is a major step in the transformation of government functions, said a statement by the State Council office in charge of the system. No department is authorized to create new approval items and the market should be allowed to do anything not specifically prohibited by law, the statement said.

The public have been asked for feedback on further reform of approvals via the website, by phone or e-mail.