Conceptual distinctions between ‘e-government’ and ‘e-governance’ remain ambiguous even as electronic government services gradually permeate online public service systems of both developed and developing countries. Given the relatively short existence of information and communication technologies (ICT) as an arm of government operations, more precise definitions may not necessarily capture the blend of structures and styles that e-governance has taken shape in countries around the world. China’s particular situation in this area, however, may only be best understood through a more definitive framework. To close the gap between theoretical definitions and the emerging reality will require deeper dissection of e-government related terminology set within the context of China’s institutional structure. ‘E-government’ implies using Internet technology as a way to promote greater civic freedom, whereas ‘e-governance’ is used for quite a different objective in China: as an instrument for gaining tighter grip on internal political management from the seat of the central government. The following analysis aims to explain why only the budding forms of electronic governance exist in China at the moment and what the future of ICT development implies for the political direction of the presiding government.