April 2024
Protection of consumers' personal information highlighted in China's new regulations
Business operators in China are prohibited from collecting excessive personal information while providing commodities and services through apps, according to a set of newly released regulations for implementing the law on the protection of consumer rights and interests.
An official from the Cyberspace Administration of China explained the provisions on the protection of consumers' personal information in the regulations at a briefing held by the State Council Information Office on April 9.
From: Xinhua
Foreign envoys praise prosperous Xinjiang at conference
Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on April 10, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Ambassadors delivering speeches gave positive comments on Xinjiang and some shared their personal experiences of their visits to Xinjiang. They are looking forward to more cooperation between their home countries and China's Xinjiang.
From: Xinhua
Regulations to protect environment
The State Council has introduced new regulations governing a mechanism for ecological compensation, which aims to provide incentives for institutions and individuals that carry out environmental and ecological protection. The new regulations, signed by Premier Li Qiang, will come into force on June 1.
Following Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, the regulations uphold the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, a release from the State Council said on April 10.
From: China Daily
Medical insurance fund remains strong, despite aging population
China's basic medical insurance fund had garnered 3.4 trillion yuan ($470 billion) in revenue by the end of last year, and authorities said that the fund is operating steadily, though payment reforms are needed to maintain its stability amid an aging society and rapid socioeconomic development.
The fund received 2.7 trillion yuan in income last year while spending 2.2 trillion yuan, leading to an annual surplus of 500 billion yuan, Zhu Yongfeng, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration's department of planning, finance and regulation, said during a news conference on April 11.
From: China Daily
Age limit raised to give women better support
To offer more support to young female academics, the National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences announced a policy change on April 12 that raised the age limit for female applicants to National Social Science Fund Youth Projects to 40, five years more than the age limit for male applicants.
The fund's annual projects are designed to cultivate young talent and encourage innovation in social science research. The Youth Projects specifically target early-career scholars.
The age limits for male and female applicants were previously the same.
From: China Daily
Law professor gives lecture on addition of human rights concept into China's Constitution
A lecture on the addition of human rights concept into China's Constitution was held on April 12 in Xiamen University.
The lecture titled "Twenty Years Since the Addition of Human Rights Concept into China's Constitution: Achievements and Challenges" was given by Han Dayuan, professor of School of Law of Renmin University and standing director of China Society for Human Rights Studies.
Professor Han gave an in-depth explanation of the topic from four aspects: historical background, practical results, academic significance and challenges and prospects.
From: School of Law, Xiamen University
Top court stresses protection of children in divorce cases
Chinese courts should put children's protection as a top priority in the handling of divorce cases, with prudence to deal with problems of child custody, visitation and property allocation in such lawsuits.
The requirement has been stressed by the Supreme People's Court, China's top court, in a guideline on April 15, aiming to provide more care and stronger legal supports for children involved in divorce disputes.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Greater efforts urged to improve children's living environment
Judges and relevant workers are being urged to attach greater importance to addressing the underlying issues of juvenile crime such as inadequate family care, internet addiction, and school bullying, in order to provide a better environment for children to grow up in.
The Supreme People's Court made the requirement in response to the rising instances of juvenile delinquency over the past three years.
From 2021 to 2023, Chinese courts concluded 73,178 criminal cases involving people under the age of 18 and sentenced 98,426 juveniles, according to data released by China's top court on April 16.
From: China Daily
Diabetics in China have access to affordable treatment
Thanks to China's drug centralized procurement drive, diabetes patients have access to more affordable and advanced insulin injections, said the National Healthcare Security Administration on April 17.
China rolled out a bulk buy program targeting insulin injections in late 2021, leading to an average price cut of 48 percent. Insulin products chosen by the program became available at reduced prices in May 2022.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Xizang details progress in education
The Xizang autonomous region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its educational landscape since the region started practicing democratic reform in 1959, regional education authorities said at a news conference on April 17.
Over the past 65 years, under the special care of the central government and with support from people across the nation, education in Xizang transitioned from a privilege enjoyed by a few to a fundamental right accessible to all, Cai Shoukuan, an official from the regional department of education, said at the news conference.
From: China Daily
Over 1,000 children in Xinjiang to receive free heart surgeries
A program initiated by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) will provide free surgeries for 1,056 children from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with congenital heart diseases (CHDs).
The CRCF, together with several hospitals in Shanghai, Beijing and the provinces of Henan and Shandong, dispatched six groups of medical experts to carry out CHD screening for children in 14 locations in Xinjiang between March 24 and April 18.
From: Xinhua
New environment and ecology laws submitted for review
The compilation of an environment and ecology code is being steadily advanced so that it can be submitted for review by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, within this year, an official said on April 19.
Yang Heqing, spokesman for the NPC Standing Committee's Legislative Affairs Commission, told a news conference that codifying laws related to environment and ecology protection.
He remarked while introducing developments of this year's legislation plan.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China continues to create jobs, pledges continued enhancement
China created 3.03 million new urban jobs in the first quarter of the year, completing its corresponding target set in this year's government work report, said the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on April 23.
The national urban surveyed unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent last month, reflecting overall stability in the employment market, the ministry said.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Draft law to boost energy development
A draft law being reviewed by Chinese legislators would require the improvement of energy development and utilization, and provide support for nonfossil and low-carbon energy.
The 69-article draft energy law was submitted for first review on April 23 to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.
From: China Daily
Chinese premier stresses consolidating achievements in poverty alleviation
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on April 24 stressed action to effectively consolidate and expand achievements in poverty alleviation.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip in southwest China's Guizhou Province.
From: Xinhua
China provides funding for school meals to 165,000 children in Uganda's Karamoja
China has allocated funding through the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to provide school meals for over 165,000 children from 315 schools in northeastern Uganda.
The contribution is part of China's commitment to improving food security and nutrition, strengthening people's livelihoods and boosting local economy, said Zhang Lizhong, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, while speaking at the handover ceremony on April 24.
From: Xinhua
China opens 829 sites providing free pneumoconiosis treatment
China has opened 829 sites providing free treatment for people with pneumoconiosis, cases of which account for approximately 90 percent of all reported cases of occupational diseases in the country, an official of the National Health Commission (NHC) said on April 25.
Wang Jiandong, who is the NHC official in charge of occupational health, said at a press conference that these sites, which are located in 28 provincial-level regions, provided free treatment to more than 1.2 million pneumoconiosis patients between 2021 and 2023.
From: Xinhua
China's ecological environment improves steadily in Q1
China saw its air and water quality steadily improve in the first quarter of the year amid the country's constant efforts to fight pollution and sustain green development, official data showed on April 28.
In the first quarter, the average density of PM2.5 in 339 Chinese cities at and above prefecture-level stood at 43 micrograms per cubic meter, down 6.5 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
From: Xinhua
May 2024
China stands ready to have constructive engagement and cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms
At the invitation of the Chinese side, the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Alena Douhan, will visit China from May 6 to 17, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on May 6.
"She will have exchanges with relevant government departments, companies, industry associations, social organizations and so on in China. China stands ready to have constructive engagement and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect with UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, to contribute to the healthy development of the global human rights cause," Lin said.
From: en.humanrights.cn
Peng encourages investment in women's education
China is willing to work with UNESCO to encourage increased global investment in girls' and women's education and help more women obtain equal access to education rights, said Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping.
Peng, who is also a UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education, made the remark on May 6 when meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay as she visited the organization's headquarters in Paris, France.
From: China Daily
Patients benefiting from unified healthcare systems
The number of cross-regional hospital visits in China — a sign of uneven distribution of medical resources — has fallen significantly in recent years thanks to efforts made to ramp up overall public healthcare capacity, health officials said during a news conference on May 7.
Zhu Hongbiao, an official at the National Health Commission's department of healthcare reform, said that China has so far set up 13 national medical centers specializing in different fields of medicine, 125 national-level regional medical centers and 114 provincial-level regional medical facilities.
From: China Daily
China's top legislator stresses improving working mechanisms for absorbing public opinion
China's top legislator Zhao Leji has stressed efforts to improve working mechanisms for absorbing public opinions and pooling the wisdom of the people.
He noted that the organic unity between Party leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance must be upheld.
Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour from May 7 to 10 in central China's Henan Province.
From: Xinhua
Ministry moves to ensure all rural households have water access
The Ministry of Water Resources will roll out tailored measures to ensure that all rural households will be covered by water supply projects.
Li Guoying, minister of water resources, made the remark at a conference on rural water supply in Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on May 8.
From: China Daily
China's State Compensation Law shows increased use, focus on rights
China's State Compensation Law has seen a significant rise in utilization over the past three decades, reflecting a growing emphasis on protecting human rights and regulating government actions.
Since its implementation in January 1995, Chinese courts have handled over 318,000 state compensation cases, awarding more than 7.5 billion yuan ($1.04 billion) in compensation, according to data released by the Supreme People's Court on May 14. The data was presented at a seminar commemorating the law's 30th anniversary, attended by legal professionals, law enforcement officials, and political advisors.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Nearly 90 pct of hearing-impaired children in China use cochlear implants
The research, development and application of cochlear implants have enabled nearly 90 percent of hearing-impaired children in China to hear, speak and attend regular kindergartens and schools, according to a press conference held by the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) on May 14.
Scientific research projects in the fields of disability rehabilitation, barrier-free environment development and assistive technology have been included in China's plan for key research and development.
From: Xinhua
Nationwide campaign launched to address campus issues including bullying, excessive homework
China's Ministry of Education (MOE) on May 14 launched a nationwide campaign to address 12 key issues in primary and secondary education, including campus bullying, excessive homework, and the distortion of history in teaching.
According to a circular made public on May 14 by the MOE on its official website, the campaign will run through 2024 and will primarily focus on problems related to safety breaches, disorder in daily management and faculty misconduct.
From: Global Times
Courts use of technology makes legal services more accessible
Thanks to various technologies widely used in the construction of courts and judicial work, individuals and departments can access and enjoy better legal services in China, a report said.
The report on Informatization Development of Chinese courts was issued by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Law on May 16.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese state councilor highlights tech-powered assistance for disabled
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin on May 18 called for enhanced research and application of technology-powered assistance for disabled individuals to create a better life for them.
Shen, also director of the State Council's working committee for disabled people, made the remarks while attending an activity on helping the disabled.
From: Xinhua
Guidelines for ethics review committee on organ procurement and transplantation released
The National Health Commission, China's top health authority, on May 20 released a guideline specifying requirements of the establishment of an ethics review committee for organ procurement and transplantations at hospitals.
The document said that medical institutions carrying out organ procurement and transplants should set up an ethics review committee and each committee should comprise at least nine personnel and of an odd number.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Report: China among nations with lowest crime rate
China has registered a significant drop in the number of serious violent crimes over the past few years, making it a country with one of the lowest crime rates and strongest sense of security, according to a report.
The Annual Report on Rule of Law in China, which was released on May 20 by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Law, said the number of felonies including intentional homicide and gun violence continued to decline last year, while other crimes related to national security or involving drugs were effectively controlled.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
SCO member states call for harsher punishment on human trafficking
Harsher punishment should be given to human traffickers by rule of law, so that people's legitimate rights can be protected and the social stability can be maintained, according to Zhang Jun, president of China's top court.
Zhang made the remark while delivering a speech at the 19th conference of presidents of supreme courts of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on May 23.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China steadily enhances ability to ensure livelihood during development
"The Chinese people's aspiration for a better life is the goal we have been striving for, and the ultimate purpose of advancing reform and promoting development is to improve the livelihood of the people," Chinese President Xi Jinping said. Xi is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Xi made the remarks while chairing a symposium attended by representatives from businesses and academia in Jinan, east China's Shandong province on May 23.
From: People's Daily
Mental health platform launched for college, middle schools
A monitoring platform for students' mental health was launched during an event for Mental Health Day in college and middle schools in China, which falls on May 25 every year.
The platform will use psychological assessment tools tailored to Chinese adolescents to conduct sample monitoring of the mental health status of primary, secondary and university students nationwide, providing scientific guidance and support for local authorities and school.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Xi calls for promoting quality and quantity of new jobs
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for sustained efforts to promote high-quality and sufficient employment to keep enhancing the sense of gain, happiness and security among the vast majority of workers.
While presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on May 27, Xi said that China's high-quality development should be a process of improving and expanding employment opportunities.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Vice premier calls for consolidating anti-poverty achievements, improving water infrastructure
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for solid efforts to consolidate anti-poverty achievements and improve water conservancy infrastructure.
Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip that took place from May 28 to May 30 in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
From: Xinhua
Chinese envoy calls for efforts to protect safety of women, youth
China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on May 28 called for efforts to protect the safety of women and youth at a Security Council meeting on the subject.
The international community should make efforts to "promote a ceasefire and cessation of violence so as to protect the safety of women and youth," Fu said at a United Nations (UN) Security Council High-Level Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: The Role of Women and Young People.
From: Xinhua
Red Cross China spends 97 mln USD on public welfare in 2023
The Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) spent 689 million yuan (about 97 million U.S. dollars) on public welfare programs in 2023, the CRCF said May 28.
An annual report on the CRCF has been released, providing the public with an overview of the foundation's work over the past year, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and first aid services.
From: Xinhua
Experts call for unity against terrorism
Facing pressing global security challenges, international experts called on May 29 for more efforts and cooperation among countries to fight terrorism, the common enemy of humankind.
The fifth international symposium on counterterrorism, deradicalization and promotion and protection of human rights, held in Chongqing and organized by Southwest University of Political Science and Law, attracted about 70 representatives from home and abroad.
They held in-depth discussions and exchanges on counterterrorism and deradicalization, legal system construction, national security, human rights protection and women's development rights. Foreign experts also spoke about their countries' experiences in counterterrorism and deradicalization work.
From: China Daily
Quality of children's healthcare rises in China
The number of pediatricians in China has increased by 74.4 percent from 2015 to nearly 206,000 at present, a health official said on May 31.
Shen Haiping, deputy director of the commission's department of maternal and child health, said that China now has 158 children's hospitals and 3,082 maternal and child care facilities.
"The number of beds per 1,000 children has reached 2.7, up by 0.27 in 2015," she said during a news conference.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Ministry orders schools to step up anti-bullying measures
The Ministry of Education said on May 31 that each primary and middle school should establish an anti-bullying committee and ensure camera surveillance coverage in corridors and other acceptable places on campus.
As communities have launched campaigns to tackle campus bullying and violence, the ministry laid out specific requirements in a notice published on its website.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
