Spotlight (2016.06-07)
JUNE, 2016
President Xi extends greetings to children of island workers
Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to children of workers on islands in East China Sea ahead of June 1, International Children's Day.
From: Xinhua
China to strengthen regulations on overseas NGOs
A new law on regulating overseas NGOs in China has been adopted at the bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on April 28, 2016.
The new law which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017 will strengthen regulations on overseas NGOs.
From:chinahumanrights.org
China issues white paper on freedom of religious belief in Xinjiang
China on Thursday issued a white paper titled "Freedom of Religious Belief in Xinjiang," saying the freedom of religious belief in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region today "cannot be matched by that in any other historical period."
From: Xinhua
China releases children policy progress index
Zhejiang Province, Beijing city and Jiangsu Province has been ranked top three among 31 provinces in children policy progress index, according to the data released by the China Philanthropy Research Institute of Beijing Normal University on May 31,2016.
The index made a systematic evaluation of children policy implementations and innovations in 31 provinces in order to promote development and protection of children’s rights.
From: chinahumanrights.org
China-WFP South-South dialogue opens in Beijing
The South-South cooperation policy dialogue sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP) and China was held in Beijing on June 1.
The dialogue aims to share China’s successful experiences in eradicating poverty and hunger.
From:chinahumanrights.org
Chinese college entrance examinees decline in 13 provincial areas
The number of Chinese candidates sitting this year's college entrance exam or Gaokao has sharply declined in thirteen provinces and municipalities including Beijing, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, according to a report on June 1,2016.
From:CRIENGLISH.com
Supreme Procuratorate will be severe on crimes against minors
On June 2,2016, China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) instructed procuratorates at all levels to take a zero-tolerance stance on crimes against minors.
From: Xinhua
President Xi attends opening ceremony of China-U.S. high-level dialogue
On June 6,2016,Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the joint opening ceremony of the eighth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) and the seventh China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) in Beijing.
From: Xinhua
Opening ceremony of China-U.S. high-level dialogue held in Beijing
The joint opening ceremony of the eighth round of U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogues and the seventh round of U.S.-China High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange is held in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2016.
From: Xinhua
Peng Liyuan attends Award Ceremony of UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education in Beijing
Peng Liyuan, Chinese President Xi Jinping`s wife, also special envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the Advancement of Girls and Women`s Education, attends the Award Ceremony of the UNESCO Prize for Girls` and Women`s Education in Beijing, China, June 6, 2016.
From: Xinhua
Special Representative for Human Rights Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liu Hua Exchanges Views on Human Rights Issues with the Malaysian Side
On June 2, 2016, Special Representative for Human Rights Affairs and Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liu Hua met in Kuala Lumpur with Principal Assistant Secretary of the Department of Multilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Najwa Musyrifah Ramli of Malaysia, exchanging views on stances of both sides on human rights issues, multilateral human rights work and human rights technical cooperation.
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Beijing, Zhejiang, Guangdong top salary rankings nationwide
Beijing topped a salary ranking of 20 provinces and municipalities in China's non-private sector last year, with an average annual pay of 111,390 yuan ($16,953), the People's Daily Overseas Edition reported on June 8,2016.
Zhejiang followed with 66,668 yuan, but that was still 44,722 yuan less than Beijing's level. Guangdong came third, while Henan registered the lowest, just 45,403 yuan.
From: Ecns.cn
Chinese children at five are 8-cm taller than four decades ago
Chinese children are much taller and stronger than four decades ago, with the height gap standing at 8 centimeters (cm), a government survey showed June 8,2016.
From: Xinhua
China stresses protection for lawyers' rights
China has issued a document stressing protection for lawyers' rights to practice and improved regulations on practice.
From: Xinhua
China reviews 2012-2015 human rights progress, pledging greater effort
On June 14,2016, the Chinese government released a report reviewing the human rights progress from 2012 to 2015 and promising harder effort in the future.
China launched the National Human Rights Action Plan (2012-2015) in June 2012, the second of its kind, following one from 2009 to 2010.
From: Xinhua
Human rights not an excuse to harbor corrupt officials
Some countries are using human rights as an excuse for harbouring corrupt officials, according to an article published on the website of China's top anti-graft body.
Some countries are having a double standard on China. On one hand, they take advantages of those fugitives to smear China. On the other hand, they use human rights as an excuse for harbouring corrupt officials.
It is necessary for China to break the double standard and demonstrate achievements in fugitives hunting to earn international support, said the article.
From:chinahumanrights.org
Full Text: Assessment Report on the Implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2012-2015)
On June 14,2016, the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China published a white paper titled "Assessment Report on the Implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2012-2015)".
From: Xinhua
Xinjiang Muslims enjoy sufficient religious freedom: expert
Over the past years, the national religious policy of “respect for and protection of freedom of religious belief” has been comprehensively implemented by Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Muslims now enjoy sufficient religious freedom in multiple aspects, according to an article written by Rehemutula Aishan, a professor on ethnic issues from Xinjiang University.
From:chinahumanrights.org
2nd China child protection and development forum held in Beijing
The 2nd China Child Protection and Development Forum and the 9958 Yuan’ai Funded Project Conference were held in the Lakeview Hotel, Peking University on June 13,2016.
This forum aimed to pool think-tanks, NGOs, enterprises and the media to arouse common attention to child protection and future development.
The forum called for the public to focus on physical and mental development of children, especially children with special needs.
From:chinahumanrights.org
Washington should stop playing 'Tibet card'
On June 15,2016, disregarding the Chinese government's strong opposition, U.S. President Barack Obama met with the 14th Dalai Lama behind closed doors at the White House.
This unwise behavior has broken the solemn promise of the United States not to support Tibet's independence, seriously jeopardized China-U.S. relations, and deeply hurt the Chinese people's feelings.
From: Xinhua
China urges U.S. to reflect human rights situation after torture interrogation exposed
On June 17,2016. China urged the United States to reflect on its own transgressions and uphold human rights after documents disclosed it had engaged in interrogation by torture.
From: Xinhua
Xi urges China, Poland to set up paradigm of Belt and Road cooperation
On June 20,2016, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and Poland to build their partnership into a paradigm of cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi made the remarks at the Silk Road Forum and Poland-China Regional Cooperation and Business Forum held in the Polish capital.
From: Xinhua
China pledges universal health service for poverty-stricken population
On June 21,2016,Chinese authorities issued a document on poverty relief, pledging universal access to basic medical and health services.
The document, jointly issued by 15 governmental agencies including the the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, pledged to ensure such universal services by 2020.
From: Xinhua
Xi orders all-out rescue efforts in wake of deadly extreme weather
On June 23,2016,Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts and the prioritization of life-saving measures, after at least 78 people were confirmed killed in one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit east China's Jiangsu Province in decades.
From: Xinhua
Anti-graft inspections on track to cover all fronts
Following the launch of a new round of inspections targeting 32 state entities on June 22,2016, the top anti-graft authority moved one step closer to its goal to cover all fronts in its sweeping anti-corruption campaign.
From: Xinhua
95th founding anniversary of CPC celebrated in Beijing
A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016.
From: Xinhua
Gastric contents in respiratory tract make Lei die of suffocation, autopsy confirms
The ongoing investigation into the death of a 29-year-old Beijing man who was found dead in police custody has seen a new development. Authentication conducted by People’s Procuratorate of Beijing Municipality confirmed that Lei Yang died of suffocation caused by inhalation of gastric contents into the respiratory tract.
According to the Procuratorate, misconduct of involved police officers is confirmed. Xing, deputy chief of a sub-branch under Beijing Changping district police and one auxiliary police officer surnamed Zhou have been arrested for duty negligence.
From: People's Daily Online
JULY, 2016
Foreign media pay close attention to Xi's speech on CPC anniversary
A wide range of foreign media have paid close attention to the televised speech Chinese President Xi Jinping made upon the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), especially to the contents related to Marxism, anti-corruption and territorial sovereignty.
From: Xinhua
Int'l experts praise Chinese President Xi's speech on CPC anniversary
On July 4,2016,the international scholars and experts spoke highly of Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent speech at an event marking the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
From: Xinhua
Civil Society 20 China 2016 opens in Qingdao
On July 5,2016,Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations to Civil Society 20 China 2016 (C20) which kicked off in Qingdao, Shandong Province.
From: Xinhua
Forum aimed at Tibet development
More than 130 scholars, officials and correspondents from over 30 countries and regions have gathered in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China, for a Forum on the Development of Tibet.
From:CRIENGLISH.com
Full Text of Lhasa Consensus
The full text of Lhasa Consensus, passed at the Forum on the Development of Tibet, which was held from July 7 to 8.
From: Xinhua
China marks 10th anniv. of adoption of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
China`s State Councilor Wang Yong addresses a meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2016.
From: Xinhua
Chinese leaders reject S. China Sea arbitration award
Chinese president and premier said China will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision by the South China Sea arbitral tribunal.
From: Xinhua
Human rights education helps poverty eradication: Chinese expert
Jointly sponsored by China’s civil groups and the United Nations Association of China, the Civil Society group of 20 (C20), the meeting focused on poverty alleviation, green development, innovation and civil contribution.
From:chinahumanrights.org
China issues white paper on settling disputes with Philippines
The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on the white paper titled `China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea` in Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2016. The Chinese government issued the white paper on July 13,2016.
From: Xinhua
Chinese vice premier attends 5th world peace forum
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong addresses the opening ceremony of the fifth World Peace Forum in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2016.
From: Xinhua
China to step up protection at Shennongjia UNESCO site
Following the inclusion of central China's Shennongjia on UNESCO's World Heritage list on July 17,2016, a series of protection measures and plans will debut, local authorities said on July 18,2016.
At its 40th session in Istanbul, the World Heritage Committee recognized Shennongjia in Hubei Province as a natural site on the World Heritage List, bringing the number of listed Chinese sites to 50.
From: Xinhua
Senior official urges economic development in ethnic regions
On July 15,2016, senior Chinese official Yu Zhengsheng called for development of the economy in regions with high concentrations of ethnic minorities, and greater unity among minorities.
From: Xinhua
China allocates more funds for poverty relief
China has set aside more funds from its central budget to support the development of poor regions this year.
On July 19,2016, The Ministry of Finance (MOF) said that more than 66 billion yuan (around 10 billion U.S. dollars) has been approved for local authorities, up over 40 percent year on year.
The funds will be used to relocate rural households, help minorities, increase work relief and revive state-owned farms, said an MOF statement.
From: Xinhua
Xi urges inclusive development on Ningxia tour
No region or ethnic group should be left behind in China's drive to build a moderately prosperous society by 2020, President Xi Jinping said during a tour of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region that ended on July 20,2016.
Xi spent three days in Ningxia, a less developed area with a high concentration of ethnic minorities in northwest China.
From: Xinhua
Authorities working on plan to delay retirements
China's top human resources and social security authority is working on a plan to delay retirements in response to a shrinking working-age population.
From: China Daily
Poverty relief high on China's policy agenda
President Xi Jinping was on the frontlines of the country's war against poverty this week in northwestern China.
This time, the battleground was Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, an under-developed area with a high concentration of ethnic minorities.
From: Xinhua
Various ministries launch 13th Five-Year Plans
China's Ministry of Transport released the 13th Five-year Plan for Urban Public Transport on July 27,2016, outlining priorities for the nation's urban public transport development.
According to a report by chinanews.com, several ministries including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce have announced their respective 13th Five-year Plans related to people's livelihood.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Y20 Summit opens in Shanghai
The Y20 Summit, a G20-related discussion forum for young people, opened in Shanghai Wednesday.
More than 100 youth delegates aged 18-30 from G20 member states, other countries and international organizations will attend the three-day meeting,themed "Youth Innovation for Our Shared Vision."
Participants will discuss topics such as poverty reduction and common development,innovation and startups, social justice and equality, green lifestyle and sustainable development, as well as global economic governance.
From: Xinhua
China strives to protect judicial staff from interference, harm
China introduced rules to better protect judicial staff, to ensure that judges and prosecutors execute their duties justly and independently, according to an official statement.
From: Xinhua
UNAIDS chief hails China's progress in AIDS fight
On July 28,2016, a senior United Nations (UN) official acknowledged China's encouraging progress in combating HIV/AIDS, saying new successes have been achieved in the country.
China has made "a lot of progress," said Michel Sidibe, UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), citing the reduced rate of HIV-related deaths and the increasing number of people on treatment.
From: Xinhua
China issued white paper on environmental cases
China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) issued a white paper on environmental cases on July 27,2016.
From:chinahumanrights.org
Xi urges enhanced capacity to fight disaster at anniversary of Tangshan quake
On the 40th anniversary of the Tangshan earthquake, President Xi Jinping said the country's disaster prevention, reduction and relief capabilities should be improved.
On July 28,2016, Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour of Tangshan in north China, where he visited a memorial, leaving flowers and paying his respects to all who died in the devastating earthquake.
From: Xinhua
