June 2024
China approves market entry of 21 medicines for children
China’s National Medical Products Administration on June 1 announced that it has approved the market entry of 21 medicines for children this year, with about a third being prioritized for accelerated entry.
In recent years, the administration has stepped up its policy support for the research and development (R&D), approval and production of medicines for children, resulting in market entry approvals for an increasing number of drugs.
From: Xinhua
China launches case database to improve protection of minors
A database of cases and instances related to the protection of the rights and interests of minors was officially launched on June 1.
The database provides a set of uniform judicial rules that can be applied in the handling of legal cases involving minors, aiming to promote experience and standardize practices in the safeguarding of the rights and interests of minors, according to the Supreme People’s Court (SPC).
From: Xinhua
Chinese State Councilor emphasizes ensuring children’s health, happiness
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin has emphasized the importance of dedicated care for children, ensuring they grow up healthy and happy.
Shen, who is also head of the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, made the remarks when attending activities at the China National Children’s Center on the occasion of International Children’s Day on June 1.
From: Xinhua
China’s ecological environment improves in 2023 with progress on air, water quality
China has reported better performance on environmental protection in 2023, with continued improvement in air and water quality, according to a communique released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on June 5.
For the 339 cities monitored by the ministry, the average density of PM2.5, a key indicator of air pollution, was 30 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, almost 3 micrograms per cubic meter down from the annual target, according to the ecology and environment communique released on the ministry’s website.
From: Xinhua
Environment in China’s Xizang continues to improve
The environmental quality situation in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region is generally stable and improving, and it is still one of the regions with the best environmental qualities in the world, said the regional ecology and environment department on June 5.
According to a newly-released official document on Xizang’s environment in 2023, which covers water, atmosphere, soil, ecology, acoustics and radiation, the region’s environmental quality indicators are all excellent, and all the rivers and lakes are healthy.
From: Xinhua
China issues action plan to raise health literacy for all nationals
China has released a three-year action plan to further raise health literacy for all nationals from 2024 to 2027, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on June 6.
The health literacy among Chinese residents should be raised by an average of around 2 percentage points each year during this period, according to the plan jointly issued by the NHC, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
From: Xinhua
China unveils guidelines for promoting high-quality development of inclusive insurance industries
China on June 6 released guidelines for promoting the high-quality development of inclusive insurance industries, in order to better meet the needs of its people and the real economy, according to the National Financial Regulatory Administration.
Inclusive insurance industries have developed steadily in China, featuring enriched product categories and expanded coverage among different social groups. However, there have also been problems concerning inclusive insurance services, such as a lack of scope and innovation, according to the guidelines.
China will raise the level of insurance coverage for farmers and low-income groups in urban areas, and strengthen insurance coverage for the elderly, women, children, the disabled, people with chronic diseases and new citizens.
From: Xinhua
China steps up procuratorial efforts to ensure public well-being
As part of its ongoing endeavor to safeguard public well-being, China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has issued typical case studies to guide prosecutors nationwide in handling related lawsuits and appeals.
An SPP statement released on June 7 noted that the cases cover various issues, including a lawsuit involving environmental pollution crimes and one regarding judicial assistance for victims facing financial difficulties due to criminal offenses, with a focus on protecting the rights of key groups such as the elderly, minors, and people with disabilities.
From: Xinhua
China launches recruitment campaign for graduate job seekers
China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on June 11 launched a 100-day recruitment campaign aiming to provide more than 10 million jobs to recent college graduates.
The first week of the campaign will see four online job fairs, during which approximately 26,000 employers will offer 259,000 job opportunities in the internet, health care, finance, energy and manufacturing fields, the ministry said.
From: Xinhua
Minority groups respected in autonomous region
The International Forum on the History and Future of Xinjiang was held in Kashgar, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on June 12. Some 170 experts from China, the United States, Australia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other countries gathered to hold in-depth discussions on the theme of Xinjiang’s history and future.
“Local culture is well-preserved here in Xinjiang. People are still speaking their local languages, performing their local dances, singing their local songs and creating their own local art. This is very different from the ethnic minorities and indigenous people in the West,” said Barry Sautman, a retired professor of social science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a distinguished professor at Tsinghua University.
From: China Daily
Guideline promotes rural elderly care
China has issued its first national-level guideline to specifically address the need for elderly care in rural areas as the country strives to cope with its rapidly aging population.
The guideline, issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and 21 other central and national departments and released on the ministry’s website on June 13, put forward a series of measures to bolster care for older adults living in the countryside who are believed to be more vulnerable than their urban peers.
From: China Daily
China unveils free information system to aid college application woes
China’s Ministry of Education has launched a free information service system to assist students navigating the crucial National College Entrance Examination (gaokao) application process. Announced on June 17, the system aims to provide a reliable and comprehensive resource for millions of students as they choose their academic paths.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China advances its law-based cyberspace governance
This year marks the 30th anniversary of China achieving full functional access to the internet. Since 1994, the country has made significant progress in promoting law-based governance in cyberspace.
To date, China has promulgated over 150 pieces of legislation in the field of cyberspace governance, Wang Song, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), told a press conference on June 18.
From: Xinhua
Xi stresses conserving Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecology, high-quality development
Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed continued efforts to protect the ecology of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau during an inspection tour in Qinghai Province from June 18 to 19.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also called on the province to promote high-quality development through deepening reform, expanding opening-up, and pursuing green development, ethnic unity and common prosperity.
From: Xinhua
Xi calls for high-quality community services for residents
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on June 19 called for high-quality community services for residents during his inspection of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.
At the service center of a residential community in Jinfeng District in the regional capital of Yinchuan, Xi learned about how community services had been provided to facilitate people’s daily life and cultural activities. He also talked with community workers and residents.
From: Xinhua
Hefei symposium focuses on human rights protection
China has been vigorously promoting its human rights development and continuously enhancing legal protection for human rights, according to human rights experts.
The opinion was expressed by the experts attending a symposium focusing on comprehensive rule of law and human rights protection in Hefei, capital of East China’s Anhui province, on June 21.
Organized by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, the symposium attracted nearly a hundred participants, including renowned experts and scholars in the field of human rights from various universities and research institutions nationwide.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
Special leave possible for those under administrative detention
People under administrative detention can apply to leave the detention house if they meet special circumstances, an official from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said on June 21.
Huang Haihua, spokesman of the NPC Standing Committee’s Legislative Affairs Commission, told a news conference that the circumstances include a detainee taking entrance examinations, the birth of his or her child, or the critical illness or death of his or her family members.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China aims to deepen medical, healthcare reform in 2024
As part of its efforts to deepen reform of medical and healthcare systems, China plans to act to deliver better and easier access to public medical and healthcare services, especially at the primary level, and reduce patients’ financial burdens this year.
At a national conference on China’s health development and deepening healthcare reform that ended on June 23, policymakers and practitioners discussed topics including public hospital reforms, drug supply and medical insurance.
From: Xinhua
China aims to ensure preschool access for all through law
Chinese legislators are considering a law to ensure that preschool education is accessible to all children.
The draft preschool education law was submitted on June 25 to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, for a second reading.
Among the highlights of the draft were provisions to promote free preschool education and facilitate easier kindergarten admission for disabled children.
From: Xinhua
China’s Xizang witnesses all-around progress in past 65 years
Since its democratic reform was initiated 65 years ago, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has witnessed economic and cultural prosperity, all-around social development, improved environment, and better lives of the people, said a senior expert June 27.
Zhang Shigao, a senior expert with the China Tibetology Research Center, made the remarks at a meeting held by the All-China Journalists Association to mark the 65th anniversary of the democratic reform, which eradicated the long-lasting feudal serfdom in Xizang.
During the meeting, Zhang and other experts shared their views on matters such as human rights situations, pairing-up assistance for the region and the region’s tourism.
From: Xinhua
Amendment to improve health, quarantine measures
Chinese lawmakers on June 28 passed an amendment to China’s Frontier Health and Quarantine Law to prevent cross-border transmission of infectious diseases and resolve major public health threats.
The amended law, which will take effect on Jan 1, stipulates that customs authorities have the authority to require taking body temperatures and carrying out medical inspections for inbound and outbound travelers.
From: China Daily
Highway linking Xizang’s largest cities opens to traffic
A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic on June 30, cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department.
The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region’s second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km.
From: Xinhua
July 2024
China advocates for AI cooperation to advance women’s rights
China spoke on behalf of a group of countries at the 56th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on July 1, advocating for strengthened international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) to promote women’s rights.
Delivering a joint statement on behalf of over 80 countries, Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, emphasized the tremendous potential of rapid AI technology development for promoting economic and social progress and advancing human civilization.
From: Xinhua
China completes 4th Universal Periodic Review at UN Human Rights Council
China on July 4 concluded its 4th United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, which its delegation head described as smooth and successful.
During the UPR adoption event, permanent representative of China to the UN office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland Chen Xu outlined the Chinese government’s stance on the recommendations made by various countries during the UPR, as well as the progress on 30 new human rights measures that China has committed to implementing.
From: Xinhua
China’s 5G network covers over 90% of villages
China’s 5G network now covers every city and town in the country, as well as more than 90 percent of its villages, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed on July 5.
China has established a globally leading information and communication network, featuring 3.84 million 5G base stations, which account for more than 60 percent of the global total, according to the ministry.
From: Xinhua
Chinese procuratorates stress avoiding excessive penalties for business violations
China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) on July 8 published a batch of typical cases concerning procuratorial supervision aimed at protecting legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, including efforts to avoid excessive punishments for minor violations.
From: Xinhua
China allocates more funds to support flood rescue efforts
China has allocated an additional 848 million yuan (about 118.9 million U.S. dollars) to support local flood rescue efforts, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on July 9.
The fund, allocated by the MOF and the Ministry of Water Resources, will mainly be used to assist local authorities’ rescue work in the country’s flood-hit central, eastern, southern, southwestern and northeastern regions, including Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei and Guangdong, according to the MOF.
From: Xinhua
China urges promoting “internet plus” to enhance elderly care
China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs has called for efforts to explore an “internet plus” monitoring mode as well as the application of other new technologies to enhance elderly care services.
With the rapid development of the elderly care industry, new challenges have emerged, necessitating more efforts to push monitoring in elderly care onto another level, the ministry noted at a work meeting on July 13.
From: Xinhua
Unemployment rates for younger urban residents falling
The unemployment rates for 16- to 24-year-olds and 25- to 29-year-olds in urban areas, excluding students, have decreased for three consecutive months, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on July 17.
Last month, the jobless rate for the younger cohort fell by 1 percentage point to 13.2 percent, while that for the older age group stood at 6.4 percent, down 0.2 of a percentage point from May.
From: China Daily
China establishes national working group to standardize healthcare security
China on July 18 established a national working group to coordinate the formulation of healthcare security standards to increase convenience for people seeking medical treatment.
The group will create a working mechanism that will be led by the National Healthcare Security Administration and coordinated by local authorities, forming a standards system compatible with healthcare security reform. In time, this will lead to the formation of a list of national healthcare security standards, according to sources familiar with the matter.
From: Xinhua
China steps up investment in urban renewal projects
China has invested 2.6 trillion yuan (about $364.58 billion) in over 66,000 projects designed to renovate urban infrastructure, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said on July 19.
Urban renewal projects involve the maintenance, renovation, demolition, and improvement of public resources, with the purpose of readjusting urban space resources to make them better meet the expectations and needs of the people and adapt to the economic and social development.
From: Xinhua
Resolution highlights mechanism for integrated urban-rural development
The resolution adopted by the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization at its third plenary session has highlighted the importance of improving the mechanism for integrated urban-rural development, a senior official said on July 19.
The resolution states to improve the regular mechanism for preventing relapse into poverty, and establish a tiered and categorized assistance mechanism for low-income rural populations and other less developed regions, said Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China to shift focus from access to quality of education
China will increase the supply of high-quality educational resources, including optimizing the regional allocation to meet changes in school-age population, Education Minister Huai Jinpeng said in Beijing on July 19.
“We aim to shift from ensuring access to education to ensuring the quality of education,” Huai said at a news conference held on the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China spending more on education, ministry says
China’s education expenditures saw a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase in 2023, reaching a total of 6.5 trillion yuan ($890 billion), according to data released by the Ministry of Education on July 22.
Higher education experienced a notable increase in funding, with a 7.6 percent rise year-on-year to 1.8 trillion yuan. Of this amount, vocational education saw a 7.1 percent increase during that period to 363 billion yuan, indicating a continued emphasis on developing skilled laborers.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China’s job market stable in first half of 2024 with nearly 7 million new jobs
China’s job market remained stable in the first half of 2024, creating 6.98 million new urban jobs, according to Chen Feng, spokesman for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The growth was attributed to economic recovery, rising service consumption, robust industrial growth, and the rapid development of new productive forces, Chen said at a briefing on July 23.
Youth employment remained stable during this period. As the graduation season continues, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has launched a youth employment service initiative to assist young jobseekers, particularly fresh graduates, according to Yun Donglai, deputy director of the ministry’s employment promotion department.
From: chinadaily.com.cn
China’s human rights delegation visits Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
A delegation led by Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies, visited Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for bilateral human rights exchanges from July 25 to Aug. 1.
In Tajikistan, the delegation met with Commissioner for Human Rights in Tajikistan Umed Bobozoda, Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashuriyon, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda, respectively. They also held discussions with representatives from Tajikistan’s religious, youth, and other departments, as well as university presidents, experts, and scholars.
In Uzbekistan, the delegation attended a roundtable meeting on trends in international and regional human rights and met with Akmal Saidov, the first deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament of Uzbekistan and director of the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan, as well as with leaders from the Supreme Court, Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Agency of Information and Mass Communications.
From: Xinhua
All-out flood relief efforts urged
China’s top policymakers called on July 25 for unrelenting efforts in flood control and prevention, stressing that the safety of people’s lives must always be the top priority, and all-out efforts must be made in rescue and disaster relief.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presided over the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to study and arrange work related to flood control and disaster relief.
From: China Daily
Nation makes strides improving rural environment, water quality
The country has made significant strides in improving the rural living environment, successfully eliminating the majority of large-scale black and odorous water bodies in rural China, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced.
As of the end of July, over 3,400 such dirty water bodies have been cleaned up, accomplishing 80 percent of the tasks set for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Zhao Shixin, head of the ministry’s department of soil ecology and environment, said at a news conference on July 29.
From: China Daily
China standardizes diagnosis, treatment of measles, dengue fever, avian influenza
China has released protocols for measles, dengue fever, and human infection with the avian influenza virus as part of its efforts to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, the National Health Commission said on July 29.
The documents address etiology, epidemiology, pathological changes, clinical symptoms, complications, laboratory testing, identification and diagnosis, as well as treatment and prevention of the three infections.
From: Xinhua
