Aug. 2, 2011
 
The State Council, or China's cabinet, on Aug. 2, 2011 released a circular urging increased openness in government affairs in order to ensure that government officials will continue to work in a lawful and efficient manner.

"We should stick to lawful, scientific and democratic policy-making and increase the scope of publicity, especially for major reform plans, policies and projects that are directly related to the people's interests," said the circular, which was jointly issued by the State Council and the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The circular stressed that expenditures and budgets for government departments at all levels, as well as data on key construction projects, must be publicized in full detail.

Aug. 4, 2011

China's Ministry of Finance said on Aug. 4, 2011 that it would earmark 7.15 billion yuan (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) for boosting the quality of rural health care.
As part of the central government's budget, the money would be distributed to 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland, the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

Aug. 8, 2011
 
Two guidelines concerning women and children's affairs over the next 10 years were published by the State Council, or the Cabinet.

The Program for the Development of Chinese Women (2011-2020) covers main goals, policies and measures to ensure women's legitimate rights and interests, and promote their social status.

The Program for the Development of Chinese Children (2011-2020) sets goals in the areas of health, education, welfare, social environment and legal protection. Relevant policies were also made to guarantee children’s right to subsistence, development, being protected and participation.

 
Aug. 17, 2011
China's urban and rural senior citizens will all enjoy pension insurance by 2015, according to a statement issued on Aug. 17, 2011 after an executive meeting of the State Council, or the Cabinet.

The meeting, which was presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, discussed and endorsed the nation's 12th Five-Year (2011-2015) Program on senior citizens' development.

During the five-year period, China's population aged over 60 will increase from the current 178 million to 221 million, which will lift their proportion in the entire population from 13.3 percent to 16 percent, the statement noted.

Aside from providing pension insurance, the government will move to make elderly care services available throughout the country.