BEIJING, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) under new chief Ma Jiantang is likely to reform its statistical system to ensure the authenticity and timeliness of data and help the government to better cope with the uncertainties of outside economic influences, the minutes of an NBS meeting show. After his inauguration as the NBS director, Ma has said he felt pressure, but was confident of taking over "the baton of statistical reform and development." "The changing world economy, especially the financial turmoil triggered by the U.S. sub-prime mortgage crisis, had increased the uncertainties of China's macro-economic development and stability and set new tasks for statisticians," said Ma. "I would like to work with all NBS staff together to advance reforms and innovations in statistical systems, indices and methods to make sure statistical work could better serve the pursuit of scientific development to shift the target of economic expansion from quantity to quality, and building a moderately prosperous society." According to the minute, Ma gave no details of his reform plans. But his predecessor, Xie Fuzhan, who was transferred to head the Research Office of the State Council, admitted in his leaving speech that the foundation for China's statistical work remained feeble, with a lot to be done in optimizing statistical methods and management. "Both the status of statistical departments and the capability of statisticians needs to improve to meet their obligations and fulfill their tasks," Xie said. He took up the post two years ago after his predecessor Qiu Xiaohua fell over fund scandal. Authorized by the State Council to examine and calculate the economic output nationwide and to collect and compile economic figures for almost all industries and sectors, the NBS offers basic statistical information and policy advice for higher authorities and government departments. Ma, a doctor of economics who graduated from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, viewed authenticity and timeliness as "the lifeblood of statistics work" and "the way for statisticians to conduct themselves". He said the essence and core of statistics was to reflect facts, analyze real situations and seek truth, according to the minute. Ma also urged NBS staff to resist all fabrications of data, secure the quality of figures and work with professionalism. Under the current management system, local statistical departments serve two bosses, with the NBS giving them statistical assignments but local governments in charge of their personnel and finance. The NBS was only authorized to assist governors, municipal mayors and autonomous region chiefs in managing the heads of NBS branches. Prestige-minded local officials looking for advancement have often tested the integrity of statisticians within their jurisdiction. To remedy the situation, China's legislature revised the implementation rules of Statistics Law in 2006, which authorized NBS investigation teams to undertake independent statistical surveys and reports in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Under the Statistics Law, leading members of local authorities who alter statistical data without authorization, fabricate statistical data, compel or prompt statisticians to tamper with figures will be subject to administrative sanctions. Officials who retaliate against statisticians who refuse to fabricate data face criminal penalties. After more than two decades of sizzling growth at the cost of depleted resources, increased energy consumption and environmental damage, the Chinese economy is undergoing a tough rebalancing that puts more emphasis on quality than quantity. As global economic slowdown could dampen exports -- a major growth engine -- more than expected, the government has become increasingly careful with monetary tools like interest rates, deposit reserve ratios as well as industrial and fiscal policies so as not to plunge the expanding economy into recession. Senior decision-makers have been demanding precise and more timely statistics for earlier warnings in the event of slowdown or other ailments. Ma was appointed vice governor of Qinghai in December 2004 and used to work with the State Economic and Trade Commission and the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council, the country's Cabinet, issued an implementation regulation for Labor Contract Law here on Thursday in an effort to clarify confusion surrounding the law. The new law, which was put into effect on Jan. 1, was hailed as a landmark step in protecting employee's rights. But many complained the law increased a company's operational cost as it overemphasized protection of workers. One of the most debated terms was one that entitled employees of at least 10 years' standing to sign contracts without specific time limits. Some employers believed the "no-fixed-term contract" would bring a heavy burden to them and lower company vitality. "By issuing the regulation, we hope to make it clear that labor contracts with no fixed termination dates did not amount to lifetime contracts," a Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council official told Xinhua. The regulation listed 14 conditions under which an employer can terminate a labor contract. These included an employee's incompetence to live up to the job requirements, serious violations of regulations and dereliction of duty. Another 13 circumstances were also included in the regulation, under which an employee could terminate his or her contract with an employer, including delayed pay and forced labor. Compensation should be given if employers terminate the contract lawfully. Employers should double the amount of compensation if they terminated a contract at their own will. No further financial compensation was required, according to the regulation. China's top legislative body, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, adopted the Labor Contract Law in June2007, which was followed by a string of staff-sacking scandals. The best known was the "voluntary resignation" scheme by Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., the country's telecom network equipment giant. The Guangdong Province-based company asked its staff who had worked for eight consecutive years to hand in "voluntary resignations." Staff would have to compete for their posts and sign new labor contracts with the firm once they were re-employed. Huawei later agreed to suspend the controversial scheme after talks with the All China Federation of Trade Unions. The NPC Standing Committee said on Thursday it would start a law enforcement inspection at the end of September in 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council issued a draft of the implementation regulation on May 8 to solicit public opinion. By May 20, the office had received 82,236 responses. On Sept. 3, the State Council approved the regulation.
BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Tuesday that China values its relations with South Africa and would like to work together with the latter to expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation and enhance the understanding and friendship between their peoples. Wang Gang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Blade Nzimande, secretary general of the South African Communist Party (SACP). China and South Africa have maintained close high-level visits,frequent exchanges, fruitful cooperation, and coordination in international affairs since their diplomatic relations began in 1998, Wang said. Wang Gang (R), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Blade Nzimande (L), secretary general of the South African Communist Party (SACP), in Beijing, capital of China, July 15, 2008 Hailing the SACP's contribution in promoting political, economic and social development in South Africa, Wang said the CPC and the SACP, with a long-term friendship, have verified the levels and forms of party-to-party exchanges and enriched their content in recent years. "The CPC would like to continuously develop friendly cooperative relations with the SACP and jointly push forward the China-South Africa strategic relationship," Wang said. Wang also briefed the guests on China's economic and social development, Sichuan earthquake relief work, and preparatory work for the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday went to Beichuan County of Mianyang City to visit people affected by the southwest China earthquake, encouraging them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster. Hu first visited quake victims in Shengli Village, Leigu Town of Beichuan. More than 1,000 out of the 18,000 population in Leigu Town died or were missing in the quake. Chinese President Hu Jintao comforts a wounded woman in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, May 16, 2008.He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster.Hu went into a tent to talk to one family. Seeing the man's daughter was injured in the quake, Hu said, "We know you've suffered. The quake destroyed your house and injured members of your family. We feel your anguish. "The whole Party, army and all the people have been mobilized to support the quake relief work," he said. Hu went out the tent and said to people standing along the road, "We will make every effort to rescue stranded people, treat the injured and make proper arrangements for the victims, as well as helping you to rebuild your homes." Chinese President Hu Jintao consoles locals in a village in Beichuan county, May 16, 2008. He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster. He encouraged the victims to be strong, overcome difficulty with confidence, courage and strength. He then went to the Beichuan Middle School, where all the teaching buildings collapsed in the quake. Knowing there were still 300 teachers and students buried in the ruins, Hu said, "Saving lives is still an urgent task. We should rescue them by every possible means as long as there is a glimmer of hope." Hu also praised the troops conducting rescue work in Beichuan Middle School. Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beichuan county entrusts military medical personnels to take better care of a three-year-old girl who lost her mother in the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, May 16, 2008."You came to the frontline immediately, and threw yourself into the rescue work regardless of your own safety and made a great contribution. "You have given hope, confidence and strength to the quake-affected people," he said. Hu said the rescue work has entered a crucial stage. "You should be unafraid of fatigue and work around the clock, making great efforts to keep losses to a minimum." Chinese President Hu Jintao consoles locals in a village in Beichuan county, May 16, 2008. In a field clinic in the middle school, he kissed the face of Luo Mengxi, a three-and-half year old girl who lost her mother in the quake. He went back to Beichuan county seat and visited the Nanhe Sports Center, where more than 10,000 disaster-affected people were settled. He thanked the volunteers for their contribution to the rescue work. He also visited the Mianyang City Central Hospital, telling the medics to make every effort to treat the injured. Chinese President Hu Jintao consoles locals in a village in Beichuan county, May 16, 2008. He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster.Hu went to the quake-hit areas Friday to console quake-affected people and direct disaster relief operation. Hu arrived at Mianyang City at Friday noon after more than two hours of flight from Beijing. In the meeting room of the airport, he and Premier Wen Jiabao, who had been directing relief work in the disaster-hit areas since Monday, discussed the quake-relief work. The meeting said "rescuers must reach not only towns but also all villages." The survivors who had been rescued must be transferred to safer places in time, and children who lost their parents and elders who lost their family members in the quake must be properly cared for. Also Friday morning, Premier Wen Jiabao told Chinese media on a train in Sichuan that saving lives remained the top priority almost four days after the quake. "We won't give up if there is even the slightest hope of finding more survivors," he said. The death toll from the powerful earthquake rose to 22,069 nationwide as of 2 p.m. Friday, while 168,669 people were injured, according to the emergency response office of the State Council.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China Yi Gang called for international cooperation here on Saturday to restore global financial stability. "Our current priority is to enhance international cooperation to prevent further deterioration and spillover of the crisis and restore global economic and financial stability," Yi said. The deepening and widening of the U.S. financial crisis have triggered a major global slowdown and escalating uncertainty, Yi Gang said in a statement at the 18th meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) held here Saturday. While the advanced economies have slowed significantly since the U.S. sub-prime crisis, the emerging market economies have maintained robust growth but the deteriorating external environment is putting the resilience of their macroeconomic policies to the test, he said. The crisis has underscored shortcomings in the financial markets, Yi said. He expressed his hope that the stabilizing measures of the advanced economies will have the positive effect of calming the markets and restoring confidence. "China is willing to strengthen its cooperation with other countries and, through such joint efforts, we hope global financial stability can be safeguarded," he said. In line with their status, Yi said, the major reserve currency issuing countries should shoulder the responsibility for preventing further spillovers and minimizing shocks to other economies -- especially to the emerging markets. To promote balanced and steady global growth over the longer term, efforts should be made to advance structural reforms and increase savings, he pointed out. The International Monetary Fund -- at the core of the international monetary system -- should carry out its mandate to safeguard global economic and financial stability, he said. The IMFC is the steering committee of the 185-nation lending institution. Yi also noted that as the impact of the crisis on the real economy is much worse than expected and the recovery more protracted and difficult, the risks of deflation in some countries as a result of the credit crunch have increased significantly. "It is imperative that the major advanced economies coordinate rapid implementation of bailout packages to avoid deflation and facilitate the global recovery," said Yi. "However, we should be aware that the injection of liquidity from these emergency measures could be a potential source of inflation in the medium and long term," the deputy governor said.
BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leaders have called on Chinese people to concentrate their energy on quake relief and economic and social development at the same time. Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the call when meeting quake-relief model workers here on Wednesday. Xi Jinping, who is China's vice-president and also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also met with the model workers. Li Changchun (6th L, 1st row), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (7th L, 1st row), also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, pose for a group photo with quake-relief model workers before the first lecture on the heroic deeds and thoughts in quake relief efforts, in Beijing, capital of China, June 11, 2008. The model workers made lectures in the Great Hall of the People on their deeds and thoughts in quake relief efforts. Li Changchun said that in fighting against the 8.0 magnitude quake that jolted southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12, great national solidarity and spirit have been shown. He praised the 37 model workers who came from different occupations, including the military, police, medical services and education, for their courage and engagement at the very front of the relief missions. Li Changchun (3rd R, 1st row), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (2nd R, 1st row), also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, applaud during the first lecture on the heroic deeds and thoughts in quake relief efforts by quake-relief model workers in Beijing, capital of China, June 11, 2008 Li stressed that all party and government officials in quake-affected areas should not let up in supporting survivors and striving to help them rebuild their homes and the local economy. On the other hand, officials should also make more preparations for the impending Olympics, he said.
排名精灵seo
BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday paid a morale-boosting visit to the country's Paralympic athletes, urging them to "strive to become strong and fight for the best." With 16 days to go until the opening ceremony in Beijing, Hu, accompanied by Vice President Xi Jinping, went to the training center for Paralympic athletes in a northeastern suburb of the capital in the morning. Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with an athlete at the training center for Paralympic athletes in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008.More than 300 Chinese athletes competing in the Sept. 6-17 Games were busy training at the center, the country's first national-level training facility for disabled athletes. The 547-member China delegation, the largest in history, will participate in all 20 events during the upcoming Paralympics. Hu watched the training of the athletes in track and field, football, swimming and wheelchair basketball. He cheered on Li Duan who had lost his sight 12 years ago in an accident, as he practiced long jump under the guidance of his coach. Li won two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Chinese President Hu Jintao cheers on swimmers at the training center for Paralympic athletes in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008 "I heard you used to play basketball and switched to long jump after an accident. It must have not been easy for you." Hu said while holding the blind man's hands. "A soldier could be injured, but he remained a soldier. An armyman could fall down, but his will was unbeatable," Li, a soldier in service, responded in high spirit. He said he would fight for better performances at the Beijing Games. Hu also shook hands with other track and field athletes, and looked over the artificial limbs and racing wheelchairs they used. "I was here to cheer for you before the opening of the Games, and I was moved to see all of you striving to become stronger and training very hard." He wished them all good luck during the Games. Chinese President Hu Jintao holds a football after writing "striving to become strong and fighting for the best" on it at the training center for Paralympic athletes in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. Hu also watched football players afflicted with cerebral palsy in training. They were the first-such group from China to represent the country in the Paralympics. He wrote on a football "striving to become strong and fighting for the best," after the 12 athletes gave the president a football with their own signatures. He said he hoped they would not only fight in the upcoming competition, but also in their daily lives. At the swimming stadium, Hu said he believed the athletes would fully demonstrate their abilities and bring some glory for the country. Chinese swimmers had performed well in previous events. Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with wheelchair basketball players at the training center for Paralympic athletes in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008Hu opened a game for wheelchair basketball players, and applauded the frequent baskets by the athletes. He urged players to put participation before winning and enjoy the fun of the Games. Hu also visited a downtown community home for the disabled after he left the training center to find out about the community services provided for the ordinary handicapped population in the capital. Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with a disabled man who is playing chess in Shichahai community home for the disabled in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. At the special home set in a courtyard, he chatted with the disabled who were painting, writing, surfing on the Internet, playing Chinese chess or receiving recovery exercises. He also joined some mentally-challenged people who were learning to make pizzas and dumplings, and another 20 handicapped making handicrafts such as bracelets and cloth paintings. "The country will take more measures and make more efforts to improve the living conditions to let all the handicapped have a happy life in their mother country," Hu pledged.
GUANGZHOU/NANJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The first cross-Strait weekend chartered flight from China's mainland to Taiwan took off at 6:31 a.m. from Guangzhou, capital city of the southern Guangdong Province early Friday morning. More than 100 mainland tourists aboard the Airbus A330 became the first group of people on a sight-seeing tour allowed to Taiwan amid warming cross-Strait ties. The flight has 258 passengers. The historic flight by China Southern Airlines (CSA) is scheduled to land at Taipei Taoyuan Airport in Taiwan at 8:10 a.m. after a 1,124-km journey. "I have been expecting to visit Taiwan, the Treasure Island, and my dream will finally come true today," mainland tourist Shi Anwei told Xinhua before boarding the plane. "I was too excited to sleep last night." Following suit was a flight from Xiamen of eastern Fujian Province that took off at 7:16 a.m. The flight, MF881 by the Xiamen Airlines with 203 passengers, is expected to arrive at the Songshan Airport of Taipei at 8:51 a.m. Each passenger witnessing the historical moment received a gift package from the airlines, which enclosed a model plane and map of Taiwan. At a separate ceremony in East China's Nanjing City marking thecity as the fifth new city to conduct the cross-Strait chartered flight, Zheng Lizhong, mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Executive Vice Chairman, said the start of the weekend chartered flight and beginning of the mainland tourists' visit to Taiwan "is destined to open a new chapter in the cross-Straits cultural and economic communications." A high-ranking mainland aviation official said that since Shanghai was chosen as the first city for cross-Strait flight operation five years ago, "there has been a small step each year, but they have amounted to a major step in the past five years." "The ever more frequent and convenient flights across the Straits are not only improved means of transportation, they are also an emotional and cultural bridge for the people, and changed the way of thinking of both sides," the official said. However, he said, real direct flight hadn't been realized yet as all of the planes flew to Taipei by way of Hong Kong. Quoting Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of Chinese democratic revolution, the official said, "the real success is still in front and we need to work harder." The first chartered flight from Nanjing started at 8:05 a.m. Some 760 Chinese mainland tourists from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xiamen and Guangzhou started the first weekend charter flight to Taiwan on Friday, three weeks after the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation met last month.