Jan. 5th
A month-long campaign has been launched against websites that "spread pornography and threaten the morals of young people", the government said Monday. The campaignis being run by the Ministry of Public Security and six other central agencies, the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, the General Administration of Press and Publication.
Jan. 5th
Finance Minister Xie Xuren told a national conference in Beijing Monday, reform and development in rural areas would be one of the government's major tasks in 2009. Financial support will be reinforced for farmers, agricultural production and rural areas this year. The urban and rural low-income subsidy will be increased another 15 RMB or 10RMB per month individually.
Jan 6th
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, 3515 labor disputes arbitration organizations by the end of 2008.
Jan 11th
The Beijing News published the interview of Dong Yunhu about the 30 years development of China human rights. Mr. Dong is the Vice-President and Secretary-General of China Society for Human Rights Studies, President and Editor-in-chief of Human Rights Journal.
Jan 13th
Chinaannounced on Tuesday an aid package totaling 9 billion yuan (1.32 billion U.S. dollars) for the country's needy people two weeks ahead of its traditional Lunar New Year.
About 74 million Chinese receiving the minimum living allowances or the "five guarantees" (namely food, clothing, medical care, housing and burial expenses provided by local governments to those without relatives or employment), would receive a one-off payment of 100 yuan if they live in the countryside and 150 yuan if they live in the cities.
Jan. 13th
A three-year, 150 million yuan (about 22 U.S. dollars) program to improve information accessibility for China's disabled population was launched here on Monday.
China Disabled Persons' Federation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, together with more than 30 research institutes and colleges have joined the project.
Jan 14th
Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered the Ministry of Railways (MOR) to "brainstorm for measures" to help travelers over the annual Spring Festival travel peak.
The ministry's website on Thursday reported a message from Hu, saying, "This year's Spring festival is facing a tougher supply-demand imbalance and the ministry has to brainstorm for measures to promote passenger convenience and open the measures to public. The ministry has to ensure a smooth and safe transportation during the peak season”
Jan. 15th
Vice Minister of Railways, Wang Zhiguo, said at a press conference, that the ministry of railways would take effective measures to solve problems passengers facing with and doubts about services offering by the railways. Wang also apologized to passengers who had reacted angrily to a video posted online, which showed a sales lady in Beijing Railway Station printing 130 tickets for trains running to cities in the northeast. "On behalf of the ministry, I have to apologize to passengers for their unpleasant feelings and misunderstandings the incident has caused," Wang said.
Jan. 19th
"The 382 legislators attending the session unanimously voted for the proposal," said Legqog, director of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Autonomous Regional People's Congress. Tibetan legislators endorsed a bill Monday to designate March 28 as an annual Serfs Emancipation Day. The bill was submitted last week to the second annual session of the ninth regional People's Congress (legislature) for review.
Jan. 19th
Until Jan. 19th, 2009, China has blocked 726 porn websites.
Jan. 20th
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security held a press conference on the situation of human resources and social security in 2008. Yin Zhengji said, registered unemployment rate in cities and towns is feasible to control below 4.6%.；New entrants to the labor force in cities and towns reached 11, 13 million, 111% of the object in 2008；5 million laid-off workers get reemployed, 100 % of the object in 2008；people having difficulties in finding employment reached 1, 43 million, 143% of the object in 2008; registered unemployed people increased to 8,86 million in the forth quarter. Compared to the third quarter, 0.56 million people joined in the unemployed group.
Jan. 20th
Chinese government issued a white paper titled "China's National Defense in 2008". The paper has about 30 thousand words and fourteen parts, including The Security Situation, National Defense Policy, Reform and Development of the PLA, The Army, The Navy, The Air Force, The Second Artillery Force, The People's Armed Police Force, National Defense Reserve Buildup, The Armed Forces and the People, Science, Technology and Industry for National De-fense, Defense Expenditure, International Security Cooperation, Arms Control and Disarmament. It is the sixth of its kind issued by the Chinese government since 1998.
Jan. 21st
China's State Council, or Cabinet, passed a medical reform plan which promised to provide universal medical service to the country's 1.3 billion population. The plan was studied and passed at executive meeting of the State Council chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.
Jan. 24th
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced that the state had finished payout of basic pension increased for enterprise retirees in 2009. over 47 million enterprise retirees received the increased basic pension.
Feb. 26th
During his visit to Jiangxi province, President Hu visited workers and policemen at work, and also the local jubilant people celebrating Chinese lunar New Year.
Feb. 1
The central government issued first document in 2009 that China would expand domestic demand and implement proactive fiscal policies. Issues about agriculture, village and farmers were highlighted.
Feb. 1
Mr. Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized openness in law enforcement process and prevention of corruption in his article published in a magazine,
Feb. 4
Health Department issued a communiqué on Feb. 4, 2009, that all departments in public hospitals at all levels were banned from connecting staffs' earning with economic incomes of departments.
Feb. 5
Millions of migrant workers from rural areas in China are expected to enjoy their golden years with pensions, like the urbanites do, as the country's top social security authority has planned to help them systematically gain access to the service. A document released Feb. 5, 2009 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to solicit public opinions said migrant workers could move their pension accounts from one place to another when they move, a practice that is currently banned for lack of proper regulations.
Feb. 5
China's government is working to improve social welfare for the elderly, as the country starts to feel the pressure from its huge elderly population, according to Vice Premier Hui Liangyu. Hui told a national conference Feb. 5, 2009 the government would expand the basic old-age pension in urban areas and improve the pension system in rural areas. Efforts will also be made to improve welfare for the aged, including basic health care insurance and minimum living allowances, said Hui, also head of the China National Committee on Aging (CNCA).
Feb. 11
The UN Human Rights Council concluded its first review of China's human rights record, acknowledging the country's efforts on human rights protection. The review, made at the fourth session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, attracted much attention since the mechanism was formally launched in April 2008. The 47-member council acknowledged China's efforts on human rights protection in the review report passed on Feb. 11, and recommended China share with the international community, in particular developing countries, its experience in promoting the right development and poverty reduction.
Feb. 12
Thirteen grassroots representatives - some of them farmers, pig-raisers, migrant workers, college graduates, doctors and primary school teachers - were invited to the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in downtown Beijing last week by the premier to voice their opinions on government work. Sitting beside an oval table, the 13 people, excited and nervous, all experienced their first face-to-face talk with Premier Wen Jiabao. He said he wanted to listen to more complaints and suggestions instead of compliments.
Feb. 15
A short documentary film titled "Tibet of China: Past and Present" premiered here Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of the democratic reform of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It would be shown across the country on Feb. 17.
Feb. 19
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang Thursday urged the country's labor department to find employment for people this year at a working conference of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Zhang asked the ministry to adopt more active policies to find employment for people. The Vice Premier also said the government should step up building a social insurance system that covers both urban and rural residents, and continue to raise pensions for retired workers.
Feb. 20~23
The UN's top human rights official on Friday urged governments and the corporate sector to ensure that their measures for dealing with the financial crisis would not jeopardize people's human rights. The crises are likely to "undermine access to work, affordability of food and housing, as well as of water, basic health care and education," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned at a special session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Feb. 24
An exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Democratic Reform in Tibet opened at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing this morning. The exhibition is the first theme exhibition on Tibet's democratic reform, which will run through April 10.
Feb. 26
China Development Research Foundation released a report said that the country should increase funds to expand the social welfare system to cover all aspects including pension, education, health care, housing, employment and others across the nation by 2020. It could benefit the whole population, especially rural residents and migrant workers.
Feb. 26
The Information Office of the State Council published a report titled "The Human Rights Record of United States in 2008" here on Thursday, which was in retaliation to the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2008 issued by the U.S. Department of State on Feb. 25. The report reviewed the U.S. human rights record from six perspectives: life and personal security; civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; racial discrimination; rights of women and children; and the United States' violation of human rights in other countries.
March 2
On March 2, 2009, China State Council Information Office published a white paper on the situation in Tibet since 1959 to mark the 50th anniversary of the region's Democratic Reform. The paper, named Fifty Years of Democratic Reform in Tibet and released by the State Council Information Office, reviewed the profound changes that have taken place in the past 50 years. It also unveils the laws governing the social development of Tibet and the attempts of spreading lies and rumors by the 14th Dalai Lama and his hard-core supporters.
March 3 - 12
China's political advisors (CPPCC, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) convened in the afternoon of March 3, 2009 for their annual full session, focusing their major concerns on economy while the impacts of the global financial turmoil unfolded. CPPCC approved three documents including the report on the work of the country's top political advisory body.
March 5 - 13
The 11th National People's Congress (NPC) of China started its second session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 9 a.m. on April 5, 2009. It set out plans and tasks for the world's third largest economy. On the agenda was the government's goal of 8 percent GDP growth this year and deeper democratic reforms.
March 9
China's first website featuring human rights in the Tibet Autonomous Region (www.tibet328.cn) was launched on March 9, 2009. The site contains more than 10 channels, including Tibet Today, History and Truth, Documents, Opinion, Photos and Videos in four languages, Chinese, English, French and German. China Society for Human Rights Studies, the sponsor, said the site was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the democratic reform and serfs' emancipation in Tibet.
March 14
A delegation of five indigenous Tibetan NPC deputies visited the United States and Canada, which is the first Tibetan delegation ever sent by NPC to visit other countries. During their 12-day journey, the delegation successively visited Washington DC and New York in the United States as well as Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver in Canada. They launched tens of activities in the forms of individual meetings, conferences, small-scale forums and exclusive interviews and made extensive contacts with politicians, scholars and journalists in the two countries and overseas Chinese including compatriots of the Tibetan nationality. With their own experience, the Tibetan delegation had displayed a true Tibet to other countries, from economic development to social undertakings and people's living standard.
March 15
The 11th Panchen Lama Erdeni Gyaincain Norbu went to Beijing Cultural Palace of Nationalities to see the large-scale exhibition titled "50th Anniversary of Democratic Reforms in Tibet ".
March 16
Qiushi Journal (Vol. 6, 2009) published signed article Launch the New Times from Darkness to Light of Tibet -- in the 50th anniversary of the democratic reforms of Tibet by Tibet Autonomous Regional Committee of CPC and People's Government of Tibet Autonomous Region. The article pointed out, democratic reform is the key to change the destiny of Tibet. All the achievements during the 50 years of democratic reform can not do without the correct leadership of the CPC and the advantages of socialistic system. At the new historical starting point, people of all ethnic groups in Tibet will surely creat a more exciting resplendence under the leadership of the CPC.
March 18
"50th Anniversary of Tibetan Democratic Reform Proseminar", held by the Chinese Center for Tibetan Studies opened in Beijing. More than one hundred people, who have personally experienced the democratic reforms in Tibet, attended the Proseminar.
March 20
An exhibition on Tibet intangible cultural legacies with the theme of "Customs and Practices in Snow-capped Plateau" opened in Macao. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the exhibition featured three parts: Home Upon Plateau, Eternal Land of Purity and Folk Literature Operas, Music and Dance. The exhibition not only showed visitors the full scope of the autonomous region's unique cultural heritage, but also embodied a much better inheritance and innovation of Tibetan culture under careful conservation work since the Democratic Reform in Tibet 50 years ago.
The nationwide crackdown on firearms crime started on March 20. This action will last to Oct. 31.
March 23
People's Daily published the article titled "Freedom and prosperity ring on liberated plateau", written by the 11th Panchen Lama. He urged the people of Tibet to follow the Chinese Communist Party's lead, which is the only way for Tibet's bright future.
The Supreme Court released the "Explanation of Intellectual Property Rights Strategy", giving more details about how to carry out the strategy.
All-China Federation of Trade Unions and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued "Notification on Supporting Trade Union to Develop Aid Operation on Rural Migrant Workers and Cooperating to Stable and Promote Employment Work ", carried out the more positive employment policy, to do well the employment service, to complete the vocational skill trains of migrant workers return home and enter cities and to maintain the rights and interests of migrant workers and so on to propose that was clear about the request.
March 24
The State Administration of Industry and Commerce urged regional industrial and commercial authorities to establish and improve "six systems" of food safety monitoring, and to construct the inspection mechanism of circulation link in a long term. The "six systems" are: the admittance system of food market subject, the admittance system of food market quality, the regulatory and inspection system of food market, the sample survey and delisting system of food circulation link, the classification supervisory system of food market and the alerting and emergency system of food safety.
March 25
People's court compendium of the 3rd 5 years of reform (2009-2013) released. In the light of the main issue in current judicature mechanism, the compendium disposes various reform measures of people's court from 2009 to 2013 systematically.
March 27
A Tibetologist Delegation from China would visit Italy from Mar. 27 to Mar. 30. They would hold extensive meetings and in-depth exchanges on the Tibetan issue with personages from the political, economic and academic circles in Italy. The Italian scholars said that it couldn't be neglected that a number of Western media distort facts in Tibet.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visited an exhibition marking the 50th Anniversary of Democratic Reform in Tibet at the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing on Mar.27. Hu said during his visit that the reform 50 years ago was "the most extensive, profound and progressive social transformation in the history of Tibet" and also an important contribution of China to the world on human rights undertakings.
March 28
Grand celebrations were held nationwide to hail Tibet's first Serfs Emancipation Day. Fifty years ago, China's Tibet started democratic reform, which put an end to the centuries-old feudal serfdom under theocratic rule and gave freedom to over one million serfs. On Jan. 19, 2009, The People's Congress (legislature) of Tibet Autonomous Region endorsed a bill to designate March 28 as the Serfs Emancipation Day to mark the date on which about 1 million serfs in the region were freed 50 years ago.
A Tibetan Serf Emancipation Celebration Gala titled "Going to Sunshine" was held in Beijing on March 28. Jia Qinglin, Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Zhou Yongkang, member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee together with nearly one thousand audiences from Beijing watched this magnificent performance in marking the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Serf Emancipation.
The Second World Buddhism Forum opened in Wuxi of Jiangsu province, with participations of a thousand prominent persons in Buddhism from more than 50 countries in the world. This forum sponsored jointly by Chinese Buddhists Association, Buddha's Light International Association, The Hong Kong Buddhist Association, the Chinese Religious Culture Exchange Association, was the large-scale international religious multilateral forum which conducts together by folk form cross both banks for the first time.
March 30
China Tibetology Research Center published the first Report on the Economic and Social Development of Tibet. The report includes seven parts, Foreword, Growth and Change, Human Development, Sustainable Development, Government and Market, Difficulties and Challenges and Conclusion. It is a original version of a comprehensively understanding of contemporary economic and social development of Tibet.
March 31
The General Office of the State Council released the 2008 implementation situation of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Disclosure of Government Information on 31st March, giving a detailed description in such aspects as the initiatively disclosed government information, the main disclosing methods, the construction of related systems and mechanisms, and relevant guiding and training situation, etc. In addition, the General Office said it will continue to promptly publicize important decisions and policies made by the State Council to provide correct and authoritative government information to the public, to improve working mechanism through systematic construction, and to enhance investigation and coordination with the purpose of improving the governments' abilities to disclose information.
The Chinese delegation leader Li Bin made a speech about the population and development situation of China during the 42nd UN's Annual Conference on Population and Development on March 31st. With Chinese government's compliance with its commitment to the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development Millennium Development Goals, and its persistent efforts, China has made remarkable achievements in the field of population and development and made great contribution to the world population's stability, Li said in his speech.
April 1
Marking its 20th anniversary, China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation held a meeting in Beijing. Jia Qinglin, chairman of CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference), delivered a speech at the meeting. 20 people were rewarded in the meeting for their contribution to the cause of poverty alleviation.
April 1
The Second World Buddhist Forum was wrapped up on April 1 in Taipei with messages of hope from leading Buddhist figures. More than 1,000 eminent monks, scholars and figures from around 50 countries and regions attended the closing ceremony.
The forum, which opened on March 28 in the east China city of Wuxi, was jointly organized by the Buddhist Association of China, the Buddha's Light International Association, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, and the China Religious Culture Communication Association, with the theme, "A harmonious world, a synergy of condition."
The forum was concluded with a declaration calling for the education of monks and cultivation of Buddhist talents, stronger interaction between Buddhism and higher education and the spreading of the charitable and benevolent thoughts of Buddhism to commerce.
April 1
The General Office of the State Council released accurate and timely government information to the public through multiple channels in 2008, according a report released March 31 on the Chinese government's official website.
The information was released to the public through www.gov.cn, bulletins of the State Council and major central media, the report said.
April 1
Premier Wen Jiabao hosted an executive meeting of the State Council. The meeting determined to start safety campaign among primary schools and middle schools at nationwide.
April 2
Supreme People's Court and China Law Society held a conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 20th anniversary of issuing Administrative Procedure Law. Wang Shengjun, president of Supreme People's Court, delivered a speech at the conference.
April 2
Southwest China's Sichuan Province said it would accelerate post-quake rebuilding in an effort to finish most of the work by September 2010, a year ahead of schedule.
The goal is to complete 85 percent of the reconstruction projects and ensure "housing and employment for each family," according to a provincial meeting for accelerating reconstruction held on April 2.
The completion targets cover more than 90 percent of transport projects, 98 percent of power grids and 99 percent of public service projects such as medical care.
The meeting said 85 percent of the rebuilding work in worst-hit areas, and all work except for some major projects in less-affected areas, would be completed by September 2010.
April 6
China, on April 6, unveiled a blueprint for health-care over the next decade, kicking off a much-anticipated reform to fix the ailing medical system and to ensure fair and affordable health services for all 1.3 billion citizens.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, or China's Cabinet, jointly endorsed and issued the Guidelines on Deepening the Reform of Health-care System after about three years of intense debate and repeated revision.
By 2020, the world's most populous country will have a basic health-care system that can provide "safe, effective, convenient and affordable" health services to urban and rural residents, according to the tone-setting document.
May 8
China will reinforce its primary health care system through investing more on infrastructure, staff training, and subsidy for service providers to push forward the newly-launched health care reform, Wang Jun, Vice Minister of Finance, told a press conference on April 8
He said local governments have enough financial capacity to inject more than 510 billion yuan (about 75 billion U.S. dollars) in the next three years to support the reform.
Apri 9
A new government regulation on disaster relief, made public to solicit opinions April 9, 2009, publicized by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council.
Under the regulation, the county civil affairs department in disaster-hit areas must report the situation to the county government and the civil affairs department of higher level, within two hours after the disaster happened.
The provincial civil affairs department and Ministry of Civil Affairs must be informed if the disaster claims more than ten lives. And the ministry must report to the State Council, China's Cabinet, within two hours.
Officials who delay, cover up or give false information will receive punishment in line with laws. Those violating laws will be charged, the regulation said.
The regulation is put on the official website of the office, www.chinalaw.gov.cn, seeking for advice until May 8.
April 13
The Chinese government published its first working plan on human rights protection Monday, pledging to further protect and improve the country's human rights conditions in an all-round way.
The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2009-2010), issued by the Information Office of the State Council, or Cabinet, highlighted various human rights that would be promoted and protected in less than two years, from people's right to work, to the rights of detainees and the disabled.
The government said the plan was framed in response to the United Nations' proposal, on the basis of past experience, "in the light of practicality and China's reality," and by following the essentials of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
April 14
Wang Chen, minister in charge of the State Council Information Office, which issued the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2009-2010), hailed the publication of the nation's first human rights action plan as a major step in promoting the cause's all-round development in the country. He answered questions raised by journalists from China Daily and Xinhua News Agency on April 14, including issues on significance, contents, features, implementation of the action plan.
April 15
The general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council have jointly published a document to encourage government officials to listen to complaints from the people and reduce disputes that damage the country's efforts to build up a harmonious society.
Under the newly-issued guidelines, leading officials of all levels of government are urged to open their offices to complaints from visitors on a regular, transparent and orderly basis.
April 20
China's chief prosecuting body, on April 20, began a five-month campaign to ensure proper management of detention centers, which have reported 15 "unnatural" deaths so far in 2009.
The campaign, jointly launched by the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) and the Ministry of Public Security, focuses on cracking down on "inmate bullying" and investigating all "unnatural" deaths since 2006 and how officials handled them.
April 21
State Council held a press release conference on April 21, 2009. Tian lipu, chief of Stae Intellectual Property Office, Li Jianchang, Chief of State Adiministration for Industry and Commerce, Wang Ziqiang, chief of copyright administration department of NCAC (National Cppyright Administration of PRC) answered question about situation in China of intellectual property protection in 2008.
April 29
China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against influenza A [H1N1], as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent influenza A [H1N1] from entering China and ensure public health and safety.
May 1, 2009
Shenzhen, a city of Guangzhou province, established the first assistant system for legal aid in China. Legal staffs from institutions set up by local government provided legal services to those who were not eligible to enjoy free legal assistance according to the law, but satisfied the conditions required by relevant regulations.
May 4, 2009
Supreme People's Court launched a new email address to collect complains and suggestions on its work from ordinary people of all walks of life.
May 4, 2009
State Council issued a notification of the sixth national census. According to the notification, the sixth national census's time point was designated at 0.00 a.m. Nov. 1, 2010. Basic information of households and family members would be the focus of the census, including gender, age, ethnic group, education, profession, migration history, social security, martial status, housing and so on.
May 5, 2009
China on May 5, 2009 rejected a U.S. report which criticized its religious situation, saying the report was biased and groundless.
"It is a fact that the Chinese government protects its citizens' freedom of religious belief according to law, and every ethnic group in any part of China enjoys full religious freedom," said Ma Zhaoxu, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released its 2009 annual report, and criticized China and other countries' religious situation.
The report reiterated its advice to the State Department that China should be listed as one of the "countries of particular concern."
"The USCIRF's attempt to smear China with the report will never succeed," Ma stressed.
May 7, 2009
Jointly written by Ministry of Education, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Health, State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform and China Disabled Persons' Federation, Opinion on Reinforcing the Development of Education for the Disabled, was issued by General office of the State Council. There were practical suggestions for the development of education for the disabled in the document.
May 8, 2009
Ministry of Health issued Diagnosis and Treat for A/H1N1 Flu (Pilot Edition) on May 8, 2009, which includes five parts: Etiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Medical Examination, Diagnosis and Classification of Clinic.
May 11, 2009
State Council issued Regulation on Family Planning for the Migrated. It would take effect on Oct. 1, 2009. Meanwhile, Administration on Family Planning for the Migrated would be abolished, which was approved by the State Council on August 6, 1998 and issued by former State Family Planning Commission on Sep. 22, 1998.
May 11, 2009
On May 11, 2009, China published a white paper on disaster-prevention efforts to mark the first anniversary of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake, as well as the nation's first "Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day," both of which fall on May 12.
The paper was released by the State Council (cabinet) Information Office.
The magnitude-8.0 quake, with the epicenter in Wenchuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, left more than 87,000 people dead or missing and more than 374,640 injured.
The document, consisting of more than 16,000 Chinese characters, shed light on disaster-prevention work by the government and the public.
May 11, 2009
Premier Wen Jiabao presided an executive meeting of the State Council, hearing the work report from Ministry of Health on the situation of the first case of A/H1N1 in China and relevant works, also discussing further reinforcement on flu precaution.
May 11 - May 12, 2009
President Hu Jintao and Vice Premier Li Keqiang visited heroes and models of quake relief, people working on rebuilding the area and grassroots officials and the masses in quake-hit Mianyang, Deyang and Chengdu cities and Aba prefecture.
May 11 - 12, 2009
A work experience exchange conference of national institutions on human rights studies was held in Guangzhou University. From 43 institutions on human rights studies, nearly one hundred experts attended the conference. Luo haocai, President of China Society for Human Rights Studies, delivered a speech in the conference.
May 12, 2009
One year after a massive earthquake hit China's southwestern inland, Chinese President Hu Jintao on May 12, 2009 mourned quake victims with a white chrysanthemum and a motivating speech calling for collective strength in face of extreme hardship.
May 12, 2009
China on May 12, 2009 was re-elected for a three-year term to the 47-member UN Human Rights Council.
China's re-election victory was contained in the result of the election of 18 members of the UN human rights body at the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly.
Following one round of secret ballot in the morning on May 12, 2009, China won 167 favorable votes from the 191 member states present, winning another three-year term in the Council from 2009 to 2012.
May 12, 2009
China received about 76.7 billion yuan (about 11.2 billion U.S. dollars) in cash and relief materials from domestic and foreign donors after the massive earthquake last May 12.
By April 30, a total of 65.996 billion yuan in cash and relief materials worth 10.716 billion yuan were donated to areas affected by the quake, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.
Most of the donations have been or will be spent on the construction of new houses, schools, medical institutions, welfare and cultural facilities for local people.
May 13, 2009
Over 20 ministries jointly took measures to help college graduates to find jobs.
To graduates from poor family, "Sunny Action to Promote Employment for Graduates from Poor Family" would help them to have priority in having job training and recommended post. The action would be launched in May to July, 2009.
May 15, 2009
People using the Internet to sell counterfeit medicines in China would face severe punishment as the government amped up the fight against illegal business in 2010, according to a consensus by 13 ministry departments May 15, 2009.
The ministerial departments held the meeting to launch a year-long campaign with aims to cut off circulation channels of fake drugs, mainly through online purchasing and postal delivery.
The departments included the Ministry of Health, the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, and ministries of industry and information technology and public security.
May 18, 2009
A commendation conference on overall control of social public security was held in Great Hall of the People.
Overall control of social public security was strengthened since 2005. People feel increasingly satisfied with public security situation.
May 18, 2009
Supreme People's Court issued Opinions on Application of Retrial Cases on Civil Affairs.
The official document was an important measure to solve difficulties in appeal to the court.
May 19, 2009
Report on Development of Social Work in China (1998 - 2008) was issued by China Association of Social Workers and China Association of Social Work and Education in Beijing. The report analyzed the development of social work in China over the past 20 years. It is the first blue paper on social work in China.
May 20, 2009
Jiangsu province approved Wuxi Regulation on Legal Aid for Victims Suffered from Criminal Cases from Poor Family. It is the first regional legislation on legal aid for victims suffered from criminal cases. The regulation would take into effect on October 1, 2009.
May 22, 2009
Chinese President Hu Jintao had called for acceleration of the coverage of a social security system in both urban and rural areas.
The social security system should be built under the principle of wide coverage, multi-layers, sustainable growth and meeting people's basic needs, He said on May 22, 2009 at a group study of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.
May 24, 2009
Legal experts said interpretations from China's Supreme People's Court on the country's two-year-old Property Law had settled some ambiguities.
The court on May 24, 2009 released two interpretations of the Law, which would be considered legal bases for settling disputes between home owners, property developers and management companies in residential communities.
June 1, 2009
New Food Safety Law went effective on June 1, 2009 to replace the Food Hygiene Law. It aims to improve the efficiency of the food safety monitoring network through tougher standards, strict supervision, a recall system for substandard products and severe punishment of offenders.
State departments of health, agriculture, quality supervision, industry and commerce administration, which shoulder different responsibilities, have made plans for the implementation of the law.
June 2, 2009
China Law Society published Report on Rule of Law in China 2008 on June 2, 2009.
The report, consisting of nearly 20, 000 Chinese characters, has seven parts on Legislation, Administration by Law, Fair Administration of Justice, Judicial Guarantee on Human Rights, Intellectual Property Rights Protection, Popularization, Education and Studies of the Law, International Exchanges and Cooperation in Legal Construction.
June 2, 2009
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) launched a two-month training program for more than 700 warden directors of prisons across the country to "improve their ability to reform inmates".
Justice Minister Wu Aiying said during the launch of the program on June 2, 2009 that the rate of prisoners going back to committing crimes after their release determines the standards of prison management.
June 3, 2009
According to Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, China has made a policy system on employment of college graduates, consisting of 15 related documents. Until now, 27 provincial governments have launched relevant local regulations.
June 3, 2009
Signaling a recovery in China's employment market, 3.65 million urban residents found new jobs in the first four months of 2009, an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao said on June 3, 2009. According to the meeting, university students and migrant workers are the two main sources of pressure; it said the vocational training plan should be implemented sooner and enterprises should be encouraged to offer skill training for its employees.
June 5, 2009
People who have complaints about environmental pollution in China would have a direct way to inform the Ministry of Environmental Protection as the ministry opened a tip-off hotline on June 5, 2009, the International Environment Day.
The ministry said on June 4, 2009 that the hotline, 010-12369, would take calls about emergency environment issues, cross-provincial pollution and other environmental issues that should be directly dealt with by the ministry.
If local environment authorities fail to solve existing environmental problems, people are also entitled to complain through this hotline, the ministry said. They can also receive status updates on the progress of their complaints.
June 5, 2009
According to a statement on state of environment in China 2008, China has made a breakthrough progress on cutting emissions. Some of the environment quality indicators improved dramatically, but the situation of pollution on surface water is still severe. Generally, China faces a grim environmental situation.
June 5, 2009
Government of Tibet Autonomous Region held a press release conference, on June 5, 2009, to publish a statement on state of environment in Tibet 2008.
June 9, 2009
Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, called for providing the poor with better legal aid services and helping protect their legal rights and interests at the Fifth National Conference on Legal Aid on June 9, 2009.
The senior official urged judicial departments, legal aid institutions, lawyers associations and major non-government organizations to participate in the efforts to provide them with better legal aid services. Efforts must be made to make it affordable and accessible for the poor to use judicial services, he stressed.
June 11, 2009
UN Human Rights Council approved universal periodic review of China's human rights at its 11th meeting. Many nations appraised the progress of China in human rights, including United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Algeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Russia.
June 12 - June 13, 2009
State council held a national work conference on ethnic culture during June 12 to June 13, 2009.
Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and State Councilor Liu Yandong delivered speeches at the conference.
June 15, 2009
Blue Book of Cities in China was published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on June 15, 2009. China's urban population surged to 607 million with an urbanization rate of 45.7 percent at the end of 2008. According to the blue book, China has 118 megalopolises of more than 1 million people, and 39 such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenyang are super metropolises of more than 2 million residents. Compared with the figures in 2000 derived from China's fifth census, urban citizens covered by basic medical insurance had increased 93.87 million, basic pension insurance participants increased 17.53 million, unemployment insurance participants increased 7.55 million, employment injury insurance participants increased 16.37 million and maternity insurants increased 14.06 million.
June 18, 2009
On June 18, 2009, the office of the State Council held a video conference to launch six major public health service programs.
The six major public health service programs are as follows:
The first program aims at giving booster shots of the Hepatitis B vaccine to those under the age of 15. According to the plan, the Hepatitis B vaccination will be given to all non-immune people born between 1994 and 2001 nationwide within three years.
The second is a screening program for breast and cervical cancers for women in rural areas. By completing a screening for breast and cervical cancers for these women, the rate of early detection and treatment will be increased, thereby reducing the death rate.
The third program aims to supplement folic acid as to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid will be offered for free to rural women before pregnancy and in early pregnancy nationwide.
The fourth is a "program aimed at helping millions of impoverished Chinese patients cure cataracts." Within three years, operations will be performed nationwide on impoverished cataract sufferers who either already have cataracts or develop cataracts during the period, to help them regain their sight. Efforts will be made to perform timely surgery on every impoverished cataract sufferer who meets the conditions.
The fifth is a program aimed at eliminating coal-burning endemic fluorosis in six provinces including Guizhou and Yunnan. It will speed up the process that enables all the coal-burning stoves in endemic fluorosis hit regions will be replaced.
The sixth is a program aimed at renovating water supply and lavatories in rural areas. It plans to complete the renovation for 4.11 million households in 2009. At the same time, the safety of drinking water will be ensured.
June 18, 2009
Beijing legal consultancy service hotline, 148, was launched on June 18, 2009.
June 22, 2009
China's procuratorates opened a unitary 24-hour hotline -- (0086-10-) 12309 for informants Sunday, on the eve of the 11th publicity week for seeking information from the public sponsored by the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP).
The hotline started on June 22, 2009, the first day of the week-long campaign to increase the awareness about ways and importance of giving tips to prosecutors to expose job-related crimes and corruption among government officials.
June 22, 2009
An amendment to the state compensation law, which was approved by the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC), said one may seek compensation if he is found innocent even when his arrest is made under legal procedures, according to the draft.
June 23, 2009
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) opened a tip-off hotline, 12340, on June 23, 2009.
June 24, 2009
China's State Council reached a decision at an executive meeting on June 24, 2009 to promote a new type of rural social pension pilot project.
The meeting, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, said building a new rural social pension system was key to reducing rural poverty and narrowing the gaps between urban and rural areas. It was also key to maintaining social stability and promoting domestic consumption.
June 26，2009
Launched on June 26, 2009, Forum of Legislative Innovation in China was jointly organized by China Law Society and Tsinghua University. The first speaker was Mr. Luo Haocai, Chairman of China Society for Human Rights Studies.
June 27, 2009
The ninth session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, concluded its six-day, bimonthly session on June 27, 2009, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), urged improving the legislative work so as to ensure the goal of establishing a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics by 2010, set by the Communist Party of China Central Committee in 1997.
June, 29, 2009
China's Health Ministry on June, 29, 2009 issued a new reimbursement policy for farmers, which it said would enable farmers to have their medical expenses refunded quickly.
Participants of the country's rural cooperative medical care system would be reimbursed at designated provincial or city-level hospitals as soon as they are discharged, according to a circular issued by the ministry.
July 3, 2009
The first plenary meeting of the NPC Standing Committee's enforcement and inspection group for trade union law was held in the Great Hall of the People on July 3rd. Wu Bangguo, Member of the Standing Committee of the CCCPC Political Bureau and chairman of NPC Standing Committee, made important instructions, emphasizing that trade unions should practically play important roles in protecting workers' legal rights and stabilizing the work relations.
July 5, 2009
A Severe violent riot broke out in the city of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on July 5th. At 20:00 p.m., the rioters take a series of crazy actions such as assault, vandalism, looting and arson wildly in Urumqi. Until 23:30 p.m., more than one hundred innocent citizens and one armed policeman were killed, over 1000 people injured. Besides, many vehicles are smashed and lots of shops are burned. This is undoubtedly a premeditated violent event instigated by foreign activists and organized and carried out by domestic relevant rioters.
July 6, 2009
The Health Ministry and China Women Federation held a meeting in Beijing on July 6th, deploying the three programs on maternal and child health. From 2009, China will carry out three important healthy programs for rural women in the populous rural area, including checking such diseases as cervical cancer, breast cancer, supplementing folic acid to prevent abnormality of neural tube defects, subsidizing rural pregnant women's hospitalization for birth delivery, for the purpose of improving rural women and children's health and reducing the death rate of mothers and babies.
July 8, 2009
The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held meeting to deploy work on the social stabilization of Xinjiang on July 8th. Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), hosts the meeting.
July 8, 2009
Premier Wen Jiabao hosts executive meeting of the State Council to deploy work on deepening the reform of health and medical system, and to discuss and pass the draft of Regulation on the implementation of the food safety law of People's Republic of China. It stressed that coverage of basic medical insurance should be further expanded in 2009, and the number of the urban insurants should reach 390 million, increasing 72,000,000 than 2008.
July 9, 2009
Yao'an County, in Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Chuxiong, Yunnan Province, had a Richter scale 6.0 level earthquake on August 9th at 7:19 p.m. The epicenter, located in Guantun Village of Yao'an County, was 16km away from County Seat and 10 km away under the ground.
July 11, 2009
Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, delegation of the President Hu Jintao, went to Xinjiang and visited people – including police and military force - on behalf of central government, examining the process of a series of stabilizing policies that carried out.
July 12, 2009
General Office of the CPC Central Committee and General Office of the State Council printed and passed down the temporary rules of accountability for party's leading cadre. Seven scenarios, including inappropriate handling of emergencies and mass disturbances, worsen the situation and having terrible influences, will be held accountable.
July 16, 2009
Five Ministries, including Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Construction and housing in urban and rural areas, issued a joint statement, asking tighten controls on rescue of underage homeless people and beggars in cities.
July 24, 2009
China Society For Human Rights Studies and China Foundation for Human Rights Development published an article titled "'Human Rights Fighter' humiliated the Real Human Rights, Organizations Including 'Human Rights Observation' Lied about Xinjiang Riot". The Paper said, Organizations as Human Rights Observation present themselves as "Human Rights Fighter", but spread series of lies after Xinjiang Riots.
July 25-28, 2009
Chinese President Hu Jintao made a four-day inspection tour of Kunming and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province and visited quake-afflicted villagers and soldiers who are cleaning ruins in Yao'an County, the epicenter of the earthquake. He stressed that ethnic solidarity is the blessing for people of all ethnic groups while ethnic separation can only be a disaster. He called for people of all ethnic backgrounds to cherish the hard-earned situation of ethnic unity and let the flower of ethnic unity bloom much more colorful.
The Ministry of Justice issued the Opinion on Strengthening and Improving Legal Aid and called on judicial and administrative organs at all levels to strengthen and improve legal aid.
July 28, 2009
All-China Federation of Trade Unions issued a document on strengthening the work of female employees. The document requires companies whose trade union has more than 10 female members to establish a female employees' commission and those with less than ten women to arrange a female employee commissioner. The document requests that all regional and industrial trade union federations below county level set up a female employee organization so as to establish an overall female employee organization network which included all the companies which has already set up trade unions.
July 30, 2009
The Ministry of Health publicized the new diagnostic criteria of pneumoconiosis. The new edition was proposed by Special Committee for Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Diseases and authorized by the Ministry of Health. Confusing diagnoses including "no pneumoconiosis 0" and "no pneumoconiosis 0 plus" is removed in the new criteria. The new criteria will probably take effect on Nov 1, replacing the 2002 version.
July 30, 2009
Division of Political Science and Law Ministry of Health issued a "health care kindergarten nursery management (draft)" and open for comments. The draft aims to treat Hepatitis B babies equally as normal babies, and childcare institutions are requested not to refuse the hepatitis B surface antigen-positive children with normal liver function for admission.
Aug. 4, 2009
Mr. Hu Xiaoyi, deputy minister of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, talked about the current situation of employment and social security on a press conference on Aug. 4, 2009. All the conducts harming workers' safety and health should be severely punished in accordance with the law. When talking about Hepatitis B issue, he said relevant laws have explicitly banned all the discrimination in job market. Employment Promotion Law and Labor Law both prohibit all kinds of discriminations, including gender discrimination, nationality discrimination and ethnic discrimination. Employers should not fire employees for HB issues, when HB carriers do not harm the public.
Aug. 5, 2009
Construction of a large water-related project in Tibet has been launched recently. Once completed, the total reservoir storage capacity will be 1.17 billion cubic meters and the installed capacity of the power station will reach 120,000 kilowatts.
As a key project during the 11th Five-Year Plan period in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the total investment amounts to 4.3 billion yuan (629 million U.S. dollars). The construction period is six years.
Aug. 5, 2009
Health ministry issued a draft regulation on hospital complaint management. Hospitals should set up offices to solve complains from the patients.
Aug. 6, 2009
Hou Hanmin, press spokeswoman of people's government of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region said, until then, 197 people have died since "75 riot" in Urumqi, including 156 innocent people.
Aug. 6, 2009
China is to set up health archives for its 900 million-strong rural population with the aim of improving services for them, said the Ministry of Health on Aug. 6, 2009.
A ministry's working plan says the initiative will first be carried out in pilot cities and counties nationwide this year to iron out any problems and decide on viable frameworks.
By the end of this year, at least 5 percent of rural residents in each provincial area should have a health archive. The percentage should be increased to at least 30 percent by 2011, the ministry said.
The archives would be established at household level and be based on information from routine health check-ups, medical services received, and in-home surveys conducted by township and village clinics.
Aug. 8, 2009
Medical reform office of the state council said, the central government has allocate 71.6 billion yuan as medical reform fund to local government, since the medical reform guidelines unveiled. Around 100 hospitals in about 12 cities will be pilot public hospitals.
Aug. 10, 2009
Diplomatic envoys from 26 countries and regions in China began a five-day visit to northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Aug. 10, 2009, about a month after the deadly riot in the regional capital of Urumqi.
At the invitation of the autonomous regional government, they are expected to -- through the visit -- acquire a better understanding of Xinjiang's development over the past several decades in various respects, including its politics, economy, ethnic and religious policies, preservation of cultural relics and the livelihood of local residents.
The diplomatic envoys came from Kuwait, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan, Sweden, Australia, the United States and other countries and regions.
Aug. 13, 2009
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said expenses of insurers, who attend the basic medical insurance, could be included to payment scope of basic medical insurance.
Aug. 16, 2009
National Federation of Trade Unions published the document about further strengthening democratic management during the reorganization, restructuring, closure and bankruptcy of enterprise. The main three points it emphasized are to promote open, transparent and democratic management, to uphold and improve the systems of Workers' Congress and to effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers.
Aug. 17, 2009
The government of Shenzhen city in southern China decided to donate 1,000 prefabricated houses, which will arrive to Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan on Aug. 17, 2009.
Meanwhile, mainland Red Cross organizations, leagues of banks, Buddhist associations and large companies have allocated thousands of millions of yuan to help relieve the disaster, official said.
Member companies of the mainland-based Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) donated more than 100 million yuan (14.6 million U.S. dollars) and 5 million HK dollars (645,000 U.S. dollars).
Aug. 17, 2009
According to Xinhua news agency, new edition of Cihai, a well-known Chinese lexicon and character dictionary, includes new words about law and human rights, such as administrative reexamination, system of hearings, right to know, network crime, flexible working, right to life, right to health, void marriage, spiritual damages compensation and international human rights law.
Aug. 18, 2009
China's governments at all levels should increase their efforts to implement better the rural pension pilot program, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Aug. 18, 2009.
Wen said, when presiding over a working conference in Beijing, it was expected pilot programs would be carried out in 10 percent of counties this year, and throughout the whole nation by 2020.
Building a new rural social pension system was an important key in establishing fairness in society and narrowing gaps between urban and rural areas, Wen said. It was also important to improve the social security system, maintain social stability and promote domestic consumption.
Aug. 18, 2009
According to Australian foreign ministry, Chinese vice foreign minister, Mr. He Yafei, canceled his visit to Australia for Australia had issued visa to ethnic separatist Rebiya Kadeer.
Aug. 19, 2009
China's Health Ministry issued a list of 307 essential drugs as part of its plan to create an essential medicine system in coming 10 years to ensure people's access to essential drugs and cut their medical costs.
Essential medicines refer to those which satisfy the health care needs and are available to the public at all times in adequate amounts and in appropriate dosage forms, at a price the public can afford.
According to the plan, by the end of this year, about 30 percent of state-owned grass-roots health institutions would be equipped with all the essential medicines on a list and would be asked to give priorities to using them when treating patients.
Aug. 19, 2009
Marking the first World Humanitarian Day, UN officials and staff paid tribute to the efforts made by aid workers around the world who have sacrificed their time and their lives helping those in need.
In 2008, the UN General Assembly proclaimed Aug. 19 as World Humanitarian Day to commemorate those who had lost their lives helping others, and the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 22 UN staff members.
Aug. 19, 2009
One Chinese company, Sinovac Biotech Ltd., announced early on Aug. 19, 2009 that it had completed medical trials on a new vaccine, with promising results. This is the first trial on H1N1 flu vaccine completing preliminary evaluation in the world.
Aug. 20, 2009
National Ministry of Health published a work plan on the management of close contacts of A (H1N1) flu cases. According to it, the one who has been confirmed as the close contact must accept home medical observation. The observation time lasts for a week. Then, the medical and health organization in charge of the observation will not provide health certificate in writing any longer.
Aug. 21, 2009
The website of defense ministry, www.mod.gov.cn, was launched at Aug. 20, 2009. it has three versions, Chinese(GB), Chinese(Big 5) and English.
Aug. 23, 2009
Central government officials from Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ministry of Health were sent to Wugang in Hunan province in Central China to assist local authorities in dealing "more appropriately" with the lead poisoning scandal.
Aug. 24, 2009
China officially concluded the reparation of the Potala Palace and Norbu Lingka, or the former winter and summer palaces of the Dalai Lamas.
The Chinese government has spent nearly 300 million yuan (43.9 million U.S. dollars) in the two projects, along with another 94.74 million yuan in the reparation of the Sagya Monastery, which is known for housing numerous classical books on Buddhism and precious paintings.
Aug. 24, 2009
Construction of Wenchuan No. 1 primary school, Wenchuan No. 2 primary school and Wenchuan No. 1 kindergarten has been completed. Thousands of children from quake-hit area return to school. All of the three are earthquake-resistant buildings.
Aug. 25, 2009
Second plenary meeting of the third national council of China Society for Human Rights Studies was held in Beijing. Hundreds of representatives participated the meeting. During the meeting, Mr. Luo Haocai, chairman of China Society for Human Rights Studies and vice-chairman of the National Committee of the 10th CPPCC, and Mr. Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office, delivered speeches respectively.
Aug. 26, 2009
Four committee members of Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and three exports communicated online with netizens from People Daily online, Chinaview and npc.gov.cn. The main issues focused on climatic change, transformation of the mode of economic development, economic restructure and so on. It's the first time to use online communication between committee members and netizens to discuss the major issues.
Aug. 26, 2009
China has built the country's first special complex of new apartment buildings and schools for orphans and children of needy families in southwestern SichuanProvince.
The province is still recovering from last year's devastating earthquake that measured 8 on the Richter scale.
A group of 712 children aged between eight and 14, of whom 338 are orphans, moved into the complex known as "Ankang Jiayuan" (Homestead of Well-being) in Shuangliu County on Aug. 26, 2009.
The complex consists of two new apartment buildings, a primary school and a middle school. In addition to teachers, there are 80 specially-trained tutors to take care of the children's everyday necessities.
Aug. 27, 2009
Detention houses in Beijing open to the public regularly. As the first example, the Detention House of Xicheng District opens to the public on Tuesday of the second week of every month. Jin Zhihai, the commissar of the management office of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Public Security, said the move of the detention house means to raise the transparency of the supervision, and protect the human rights of the prisoners in the aspects of inhabited environment, physical and psychological safety.
Aug. 31, 2009
The Chinese mainland reiterated its "resolute opposition" against the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan.
"The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has ulterior motives to instigate the Dalai Lama, who has long been engaged in separatist activities, to visit Taiwan," said a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.
"We resolutely oppose this and our position is firm and clear," the spokesman said.
Sept. 1
The State Council issued Guidance on the Implementation of the New Rural Pension Pilot Project. The pilot project is expected to start in 2009. 10% of counties nationwide will be covered by the end of 2009 and most of the counties will be covered before 2020.
Sept. 2
China's State Council, the Cabinet, announced a plan to push forward a pay for merit pay system in health units and other public-sector organizations to stimulate workers' enthusiasm.
Attendees at a State Council executive meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, agreed the performance-based salary, a major part of the reform on income distribution system in public-sector organizations, would be of great significance in increasing staff initiative and improving public service levels.
Sept. 3
Environmental Protection Department, in Shaanxi, held a meeting on preventing heavy mental pollution. Minister Zhou Shengxian stressed the significance of preventing heavy mental pollution and urged to take actions to address the environmental problem.
Sept. 3
State Administration of Work Safety, State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Health and All-China Federation of Trade Unions jointly held a video meeting to launch a campaign to deal with dust pollution and toxic subsistence..
Sept. 4
The Political and Judiciary Commission under the CPC Central Committee, Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee and Ministry of Education jointly held a meeting in the Great Hall of the People to mark the first publication of a book on socialist rule of law.
Sept. 7
Public security authorities in Xinjiang, northwest China posted a public notice on Sept. 7, 2009, vowing to protect residents and maintain social order after recent syringe attacks triggered mass protests.
The pledge of the Public Security Department of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region followed a joint notice released by the court, prosecutor's office and police bureau of Urumqi, the regional capital, on Sept. 6, 2009, which said an attacker may face life sentence or even death penalty if he has caused grave consequence.
Those who stab to hurt others, whatever means they use, are considered to commit crimes and "must" be punished according to law, said the notice of the regional Public Security Department.
Sept. 8
Institute of Population and Labor Economics (CASS) and Social Science Academic Press jointly held a press conference to release a green paper on population and labor in 2009. According to the paper, it is difficult for Chinese migrants and college graduates to find jobs nowadays. To avoid unemployment, the green paper provides five measures including more education, more training, more policy environment, self-employment and improved employment services.
Sept. 8
Zhang Wei, director of SFDA's drug registration division, expressed SFDA (State Food and Drug Administration) would urge the implementation of “improving national drug standard” in 2009. Standard of drugs in the essential drug list will be upgraded. This is to ensure drug safety for the public.
Sept. 9
Launched in Beijing, a project will offer medical aid to low income earners across the country in a long term. As a supplement to the medical reform, the project will cover more than 10 critical diseases, including diseases concerning on respiratory system, reproduction, liver and gall and blood vessel of brain. Annually, the project will offer medical aid and technical support on some major diseases nationwide.
Sept. 11
The ministry of health issued a notice, clarifying the definition of doctors' seeing and treating patients in multiple institutions. It stipulated that a doctor can only serve in less than four institutions and doctors will be classified as three groups.
Sept. 15
China's orphans are to receive free medical insurance for 12 critical illnesses thanks to joint efforts of government and charity organizations.
The insurance, at a premium of 50 yuan (about 7.3 U.S. dollars) a year, is designed for all healthy orphans aged under 18 across China who have registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA). Each insured orphan will be covered for 100,000 yuan.
"The insurance will be in place for orphans before the National Day (October 1) this year," Song Liying, secretary general of the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) , said on Sept. 15, 2009. The insurance program will be jointly operated by the MCA and the CCTF.
The 12 illnesses covered are malignant tumors (including leukemia), organ and stem cell transplants, acute kidney failure, a plastic anemia, benign brain tumors, acute hepatitis, sequelae of cerebritis or meningitis, infantile paralysis, serious juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, serious kawasaki disease, Myasthenia Gravis and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Sept. 15-26
A delegation, led by Luo Haocai, vice chairman of the 10th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, visited France, Belgium, European Union and Iceland. Providing a broad introduction to the great progress the People's Republic of China, the delegation exchanged on the achievements on human rights in China and other related issues.
Sept. 17
A non-profit foundation was launched in Beijing by Chinese Red Cross Foundation. The foundation was aim to improve the health of migrant workers and their children. Projects of “loving care clinic” and “loving care package” were launched at the same time.
Sept. 21
According to a plan issued by ministry of health, the ministry of health and ministry of finance would continue the implementation of allowance project for rural pregnant women and expand the project to nationwide. This project is to secure the safety of mother and baby, decreasing the maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate.
Sept. 21
The Chinese government published a white paper on the development and progress in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, stressing national unification, ethnic unity, social stability are the "lifeblood" for the region's development and progress.
The paper, released by the State Council Information Office, reviewed the profound changes that have taken place in the past 60 years in Xinjiang, which accounts for about one sixth of the country's land territory.
The 52-page document is divided into seven sections: Swift Economic Development; Remarkable Improvement in People's Lives; Steady Development of Social Programs; Preservation of Ethnic Cultures; Upholding Ethnic Equality and Unity; Protecting Citizens' Rights of Freedom of Religious Belief; and Safeguarding National Unity and Social Stability.
The great development and progress "should be attributed to the concerted efforts by all peoples of Xinjiang under the banner of solidarity of all ethnic groups, as well as to the success of China's policies on ethnic minorities," it said.
Sept. 22
The Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) decided to send five workgroups to 10 municipalities and provinces to ensure a new food safety law is properly enforced.
The work groups, headed by five vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, will visit the municipalities and provinces from September to December, according to a decision reached at the first plenary session of the work groups.
Sept 22
State Food and Drug Administration issued a stipulation on enhancing supervision on essential drug, which stipulating further evaluation to the national standards on essential drugs respectively, random drug test and reevaluation. Besides, adverse drug reaction report system will be set up in all around.
Sept 23
Ministry of health issued guidance on inoculation of vaccination against A/H1N1 in autumn and winter. There was still uncertainty about the safety of vaccination for "sensitive groups" including pregnant women and breastfeeding women, people who have allergies to chicken eggs and other people.
Sept 24
China launched a long-term campaign to crack down on making, selling and using illegal food additives and vowed to name violators. The campaign will last from September, 2009 until the end of 2010, according to the Ministry of Health.
Statistics from the ministry show that, during the first campaign that ran from the end of 2008 to early 2009, 7,626 illegal cases were unearthed, involving goods valued at 67.08 million yuan (about 9.8 million U.S. dollars). Also in the campaign, 252 kinds of food additives were found to have not met the state standards.
Sept. 26
Sunshine home project was formally launched, which was jointly supported by China Disabled Federation and Ministry of Finance. According to the project, central finance will annually allocate 200 million yuan to aid the caring service to the disabled at nationwide. The allowance to family of disabled people at home will not be less than 40% of the total funds.
Sept. 27
The Chinese government published a white paper on its ethnic policy, stressing harmony and equality among all ethnic groups.
The paper, released by the State Council Information Office, reviewed the country's basic situation of ethnic issues, the government policies over the past six decades and the economic, social and cultural progress in ethnic minority regions.
It was the third white paper on China's ethnic policy after two reports were issued respectively in 1999 and 2005, said an official with the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.
Sept. 27
Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Finance announced the standard of allowance to disabled servicemen, families of a martyrs and retired old soldiers of red army would be raised 15% from October 1, 2009. The annual allowance to the disabled, due to war, ,work and illness, will be adjusted respectively to RMB 26,080、RMB 25,250, and RMB 24,430.
Sept. 28
National Development and Reform Committee published guiding retail price for national essential drugs, including 2349 drug specifications. The new guiding retail price will be effective from October 22, 2009. Compared to present price, price of 45% drugs would be down, 6% up and 49% same as present.
Sept. 28
There was a press release on the achievements on social security, hosing support and housing construction, held by ministry of human resources and social security. According to vice minister Hu Xiaoyi, regulations on shifting pension insurance relationship and basic pension insurance for migrant workers would be issued in the 4th quarter of 2009. According to Qi Yi, vice minister from ministry of housing and urban-rural development, funds to aid low-income housing would be reached RMB 300 billion yuan in 2009 and the hosing conditions would be improved for urban residents.
Oct. 1, 2009
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Oct. 1, 2009 called on the Chinese people to unite more closely to build a "rich, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and modernized socialist country."
History reveals that China's development has never been a plain sailing, Hu said, adding, "But the people who have their destiny in their own hands and are united will overcome all difficulties and obstacles and continuously make great historic achievements."
Looking into the future, China has "infinitely bright prospects," he told a rally celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
He called on the whole Party, the armed forces and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely and make unremitting efforts for the grandiose goal of building a rich, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and modernized socialist country, realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making new contributions to mankind.
Oct. 2, 2009
China would cut prices for nearly half of its essential drugs by 12 percent on average on Oct. 22, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Prices for about 45 percent of the essential medicines would go down by 12 percent on average.
Prices for about 49 percent of the essential medicines would remain unchanged. Prices for about six percent of the medicines in shortage would be raised.
The move aimed to reduce the overall prices of essential drugs to relieve people's burden and to encourage enterprises to provide quality medicines.
Producers or retailers could set essential medicines prices based on market demand, but they should be no higher than the reference retail prices, said the official who declined to be named.
The price reform would involve 296 kinds or 2,349 specific medicines and influence about 3,000 medicine producers.
Oct. 12, 2009
Six men who were convicted of murder and other crimes in the July 5 riot in Xinjiang were sentenced to death after a first-instance trial, and another man was jailed for life.
Abdukerim Abduwayit, Gheni Yusup, Abdulla Mettohti, Adil Rozi, Nureli Wuxiu'er, and Alim Metyusup were sentenced to death at the Intermediate People's Court in Urumqi.
Tayirejan Abulimit was given life imprisonment, a lesser punishment as he confessed to crimes of murder and robbery and helped the police capture Alim Metyusup.
All seven men had been convicted of murder, and some of them were also convicted of arson or robbery.
The seven were the first to be sentenced over the riot, which left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 injured in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Oct. 13, 2009
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping called for enhancing cultural exchanges to boost world peace at the opening ceremony of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
While addressing the opening ceremony, Xi said the fair not only provides a vital chance for China to appreciate the elite cultural products worldwide, but also opens a window for the people from various nations to observe Chinese culture at a shorter distance.
Oct. 22, 2009
A two-day forum on economic, cultural and social development in China's Tibet opened in Rome on Oct. 22, 2009
The forum, Tibet: Development Prospects and Cooperation Opportunities, has attracted more than 400 participants from China, Italy, Austria, the United States, India, Australia, Spain and Belgium.
This is not only an event of significance in the economic cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Italy, but also a grand meeting of international Tibetologists on the study of issues related to the development of Tibet in modern times," Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, said at the opening ceremonies.
A joint statement issued at the end of the forum, the second of its kind, hailed the event as a success in promoting understanding of the Chinese central government's policies in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the region's development in all sectors.
Oct. 23, 2009
An exhibition of paintings by Han and Tibetan artists opened on Oct. 23, 2009, giving the Italians and other Europeans an opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional customs of China's Tibet.
The nine-day exhibition, held in the Venice Palace in downtown Rome, features 60 paintings depicting the extraordinary landscape of Tibet and the region's social and economic development.
Oct. 23, 2009
ASEAN leaders inaugurated ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in the 15th Summit held on Oct. 23, 2009, amid concerns that the Commission would be a "toothless" body.
Oct. 27, 2009
China's top legislature would consider a draft amendment to its electoral law at a bimonthly session scheduled from Oct. 27 to 31, according to a statement issued by the legislative body on Oct. 26, 2009.
Lawmakers would continue to review draft laws on island protection, tort liability, and diplomatic agents, as well as the draft amendment to the Law on State Compensation, according to the agenda proposed at the meeting.
Nov. 2, 2009
The second Beijing Forum on Human Rights opened in Beijing on November 2, 2009, with "Harmonious Development and Human Rights" as its main theme. Scholars from over 26 countries attended the event.
Luo Haocai, president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, and Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office, delivered speeches in the opening ceremony.
Luo said human rights have made rapid progress over the past 30 years since China's reform and opening-up, and China will continue to contribute to the international cause of human rights. China is ready to work together with the international community to establish a harmonious world, he added. The forum lasted two days.
Wang said having full human rights and realizing a harmonious development has long been the pursuit of people all over the world, and it is a long-term historical mission of the Chinese people.
Nov. 8, 2009
A charity fund was set up to aid patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), often known as brittle bone disease.
The fund, "China-Dolls care and Support Association", launched by the China Social Welfare Education Foundation (CSWEF), will focus on improving public knowledge of OI and other rare diseases, and providing social and legal assistance to patients and their families
The CSWEF said it had earmarked 100,000 yuan (14,000 U.S. dollars) to the fund and welcomed donations from various sectors.
Nov. 9, 2009
Detainees awaiting trial will no longer be forced to work at China's detention houses, thanks to a breakthrough being heralded by lawyers as legal progress in protecting their legitimate rights.
The change is outlined in a draft regulation published on the central government's website (gov.cn).
The seven-article regulation with 39 clauses was drafted by the Ministry of Public Security and released by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, the country's cabinet.
The regulation stipulates that detention houses, where presumed-innocent people are held prior to their court proceedings, must safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of detainees.
The changes seek to better regulate the management of detention houses in general, which have long been accused of ignoring the legal rights of detainees.
Under the draft regulation, inmates will also be spared the task of having to supervise other detainees
Nov. 12, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao went to the snow-ravaged Shijiazhuang City, capital of north China's Hebei Province, by train to oversee relief work. In a work conference held while on the train from Beijing to Shijiazhuang, the Premier urged authorities to put people's livelihood as top priority when dealing with the snow and blizzards.
Noting that China was in a critical phase to deal with the global financial crisis and the A/H1N1 influenza, Wen called for stepped-up efforts to mitigate negative impacts the blizzards imposed on people's lives. Authorities should ensure the supply of heating, gas, water, power and other necessities to the public, ease traffic jams in the cities, and strengthen monitoring and control over commodity prices in order to safeguard people's livelihood, he said.
Nov. 19, 2009
United Nation Children’s Fund issued Report on the State of World's Children, which contains the great achievements on child protection over last two decades and major challenges for the world in the future.
Nov. 20, 2009
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Xinhua News Agency launched in Beijing the Chinese-version Report on the State of World's Children to mark the Universal Children's Day and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Nov. 20, 2009
China and the European Union held the 28th round of human rights dialogue in Beijing on Nov. 20, 2009.
Wu Hailong, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of Foreign Ministry, expounded China's measures to deepen reform on judicial system, to ensure judicial impartiality and to conduct international cooperation in human rights affairs.
Jan Nordlander, the ambassador at large for human rights of Sweden also briefed the Chinese side on the EU nations' new legislation and new measures to improve human rights.
The two sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum of the human rights dialogue and exchanges, to promote the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei met with the EU delegation. During the meeting, he said the dialogue was an important channel for China and the European Union to handle human right affairs in a constructive way.
Nov. 23, 2009
Higher charges for medical services but lower drug prices is the goal for China's health care reform, National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top planning body.
According to the Website of the National Development and Reform Commission, medical staff should enjoy higher prices for their professional services including diagnosis, daily care and surgeries, but charges for lab-equipment screening and treatment will be lower.
In addition, a maximum 15-percent increase from market price in average is allowed temporarily for drugs also sold in hospitals but the gap will be gradually narrowed and finally closed, according to the new policy.
A price cap for expensive drugs could be introduced.
Nov. 27, 2009
The UNAIDS and Ministry of Health had jointly launched a nationwide campaign to reduce HIV-related discrimination.
The Ministry of Health estimated that 740,000 people were living with HIV in China at the end of 2009. The latest statistics from the ministry showed that 48,000 people had been infected in 2009 and more than 70 percent of new infections are through sexual transmission.
Nov. 30, 2009
Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to mobilize the whole society to improve AIDS/HIV control, when taking part in a gathering of AIDS prevention volunteers.
It was the fourth time in six years that Hu met medical staff, researchers, AIDS patients and volunteers ahead the day.
These high-profile moves showcased the government's resolve to tackle the growing AIDS problems in the country and help remove the social stigma against HIV-positive people.
Dec. 1, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao encouraged HIV/AIDS sufferers to live on with hope and confidence during his visit to a Beijing hospital on the World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1.
At the Beijing Home of Red Ribbon in Ditan Hospital, Wen and Vice Premier Li Keqiang visited two AIDS patients and medical volunteers, experts.
Over the past six consecutive years, Premier Wen inspected HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment work every year and even invited orphans whose parents died of AIDS to tour Zhongnanhai, a compound of buildings for the central authorities in the heart of Beijing.
At the Beijing Home of Red Ribbon on Tuesday, Wen put on a red ribbon, the awareness symbol for the fight against AIDS, and shook hands with two HIV carriers, who are also instructors there.
Wen said that attention should be paid to AIDS prevention not only on the World AIDS Day, but also in daily life and work.
Dec. 1, 2009
State Council Information Office held a meeting on the implementation of National Human Rights Action Plan (2009-2010) in Beijing. Wang Chen, director of the State Council Information Office, delivered a key speech at the meeting. Dong Yunhu, deputy director of the State Council Information Office, hosted the meeting.
China had made progress in implementing a two-year action plan on human rights since it was published in April, said Wang Chen。
The action plan is China's first national plan on human rights, and serves as an initial policy on advancing China's human rights cause in a comprehensive way.
The formulation and publicity of the plan was an "event of political significance" and had won domestic acclaim, aroused wide public concern and received favorable comments from the international community, he said.
For most of the targets and tasks, which were stipulated in the action plan and expected to be finished in two years, 50 percent, or even 65 percent for some, have been accomplished so far, he said.
Dec. 1, 2009
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered an address on World Aids Day, emphasizing need to shine the light on human rights for those living with HIV/AIDS around the globe.
Dec. 1, 2009
Employees across the country were concerned about a notice published by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) that said cash subsidies for travel and other work benefits would be taxed.
The notice, issued on the ministry's website November 12, said that cash subsidies to employees for transportation, housing, communication, meals, and car allowance must be counted as part of their total salary, not as welfare.
Presently, workers pay a personal income tax on their salary if they earn more 2,000 yuan ($292) a month, but needn't pay any tax on their welfare, according to the revised Individual Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China, which took effect in March 2008.
Dec. 2, 2009
The Chinese government planned to exempt needy rural students from paying the tuition in government-funded vocational schools, said a statement issued by the State Council here Wednesday.
The policy will be implemented step by step nationwide from autumn semester this year, said the statement issued after a State Council meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.
Schools will receive government subsidies to compensate their financial loss caused by the policy, the statement said.
They are also encouraged to work with enterprises to increase their revenue, it added.
Students who study in vocational programs related to agriculture will also enjoy the policy. In addition, the qualified students in private vocational schools will receive subsidies from the government though they will not be exempted from tuition.
This is another major move to ensure the equal access to education after the country canceled tuition and other fees in the nine-year compulsory education program (in primary and junior middle schools), the statement said.
Dec. 2, 2009
Efforts to achieve global development targets must include improving living standards and quality of life for everyone, including the world's 800 million people with disabilities, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
"Persons with disabilities encounter many disadvantages," he said in a message for the Day, noting that they are often among society's poorest and most excluded.
"Yet they routinely show tremendous resilience, and achieve great heights in all spheres of human endeavor," he said.
The theme of this year's Day is "making the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) disability-inclusive," referring to the set of global targets to halve poverty, hunger and other social ills by 2015.
Dec. 8, 2009
A China Children Social Work Research Center was established on Dec. 8, 2009 by the Civil Affairs Ministry (MCA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
To tackle the problems, social support and community forces were required in addition to government efforts.
Dec. 10, 2009
Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe.
Dec. 10, 2009
Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China and China University of Political Science and Law jointly held an academic activity to mark the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948,
Dec. 18, 2009
On International Migrants Day, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon highlighted the positive driving forces of migrants as he outlined that a demand for foreign workers exists in places of high unemployment, underscoring that migrants are needed to fuel growth during the global economic crisis.
In his message released by his spokesman marking the International Migrants Day, which is observed on Dec. 18 annually, the secretary-general said, "Migration can be a positive and empowering experience for migrants themselves, and for both the home and host societies."
Dec. 26, 2009
China's top legislature approved the Tort Law on Dec. 26, 2009, after four readings since 2002.
The 92-provision law covers liabilities for a range of circumstances, including traffic accidents, medical accidents, work-related injuries, pollution, harm caused by other people's pets and mental distress.
It also covers infringements of personal rights, such as name, reputation, portrait and privacy.
The law, with equal importance with another civil rights law, the Property Law, was endorsed by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. It takes effect next July.
Dec. 27, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao holds an exclusive interview with the Xinhua News Agency at Ziguangge building inside Zhongnanhai, an office compound of the central authorities at the heart of Beijing.
Chinese people should be proud of the country's economic performance as the government's economic stimulus package proved effective, Premier Wen Jiabao said.
Wen express he would continue his dialogue with netizens before the annual Parliament session in March, 2010.
Dec. 29, 2009
Wang Chen, director of State Council Information Office, delivered a work report of the office in 2009, including National Human Rights Action Plan of China, and the Second Beijing Forum on Human Rights.
Dec. 29, 2009
News rules from China's State Council would allow migrant workers and urban workers to transfer funds from their pension accounts when they move across provinces.
At present, workers can only transfer their own pension contribution, not the part paid by their employers.
Hu Xiaoyi, vice minister of the Department of Human Resources and Social Security said rural migrant works who frequently change their working places are the biggest beneficiaries of the new rules.
The new rules are to take effect on January 1st.
Dec. 29, 2009
China was set to issue regulations to remove hepatitis B check from physical examination for school entrance and work, according to the Ministry of Health.
Mao Qunan, a spokesman with the ministry, said on Dec. 29, 2009 that the move was based on related organizations' thorough demonstration in regard to whether hepatitis B carriers would affect other people's health.
However, Mao said restrictions would still exist in jobs that may induce hepatitis B virus transmission such as blood sampling.
