名人故事

三废排放管理及治理措施

BEIJING -- China will continue to spend more on education next year and spread the free nine-year compulsory education to urban children, said finance minister Xie Xuren.The government would continue to improve the funding system to guarantee free nine-year compulsory education currently enjoyed by 150 million rural children, while spreading it to their urban counterparts next year, Xie told an annual conference of the Ministry of Finance in BeijingStarting from the spring term, China would increase the funding for free textbooks used for the national compulsory courses, and the local governments would provide more money for free textbooks for local compulsory courses, he said. Local governments would also provide scholarships to cover the living costs of boarding students from poor families. The central government would provide half of the education funding for areas in Central and West China, while provincial governments in those areas would cover the rest of the costs.Local governments in East China would provide all education fees with some supplementary funding from the central government.Xie said the government would issue new standards for per capita expenditure of students in primary and middle schools, and put those standards into effect within the next two years.He said the allowance for maintenance and refurbishing of rural schools in Central and West China would also be raised with special financial support to high-altitude and cold areas.In addition, the government would continue free education for students taking courses for teaching careers at normal schools and provide scholarships for poor undergraduates and students at vocational schools.According to Xie, the first 11 months saw  557.8 billion yuan (about 74.3 billion US dollars) of fiscal expenditure used for education, up 32.7 percent compared with the same period last year.As a result of the implementation of scholarships for the poor, about four million college students and 16 million secondary vocational school students had benefited.

BRUSSELS - Javier Solana, European Union top diplomat, expressed here on Thursday his concern over Taiwanese leaders' comments on the Chinese province's application for UN membership."I have noted with concern the comments made by Taiwan's leadership on October 24 concerning Taiwan's application for UN membership under the name of Taiwan," Solana said in a statement."The EU has a substantial interest in peace and stability in East Asia. It has a particular interest in the continued prosperity and security of Taiwan and in the maintenance of peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait," he said.    The fundamental position of the EU is that the Taiwan question must be solved peacefully through cross-Strait negotiations between all concerned parties."We have concerns about the current policy of Taiwan's authorities to pursue a referendum on the question of UN membership in the name of Taiwan," Solana said, adding "This concern flows from the EU's conviction that both sides of the Strait should refrain from statements or actions which might raise tension across the Strait and which might be perceived as a unilateral change in the status quo."The proposed referendum would risk making it harder for Taiwan to enjoy the pragmatic participation in the activities of specialized multilateral fora, "when there are clear public interests for this and when statehood is not required." he said"I therefore want to encourage both sides to take further initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence-building," he concluded.

After 18 months of deliberation and public consultation, legislators passed the long-awaited Labor Contract Law on Friday to improve workers' basic rights. The law, which would take effect on January 1 next year, won 145 of the 146 votes of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC). One vote was not cast. The new law is considered the most significant change in the country's labor rules in more than a decade. It establishes standards for labor contracts, use of temporary workers and severance pay. It makes mandatory the use of written contracts and strongly discourages fixed-term contracts. According to the law, severance should be paid if a fixed-term contract expires but is not renewed without an appropriate reason. It is also stipulated that employers must submit proposed workplace rules or changes concerning pay, work allotment, hours, insurance, safety and holidays to the workers' congress for discussion. After the recent exposure of forced labor in brick kilns in Central and North China, the final draft added stipulations that government officials guilty of abuse of office and dereliction of duty would face administrative penalties or criminal prosecution. Xin Chunying, deputy chairperson of the NPC Law Committee, said the law is not intended to replace the current Labor Law but rather, to further standardize labor contracts in favor of employees. Li Yuan, one of the legislators in charge of drafting the law, said the law targeted bosses and officials who exploited workers. The draft law was first proposed in 2005 amid complaints that companies were mistreating workers by withholding pay, requiring unpaid overtime or failing to provide written contracts. Many workers were also becoming trapped in short-term contracts. Last March, the draft was made public for consultation, and legislators received about 192,000 public responses in a month. Only the Constitution, drafted in 1954, received more. However, business lobbies are worried that stricter contract requirements could raise costs and give them less flexibility to hire and fire employees. Both the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) had made submissions to the NPC, suggesting the law might exert negative influence on foreign investment in China. In a letter to the NPC last year, Serge Janssens de Varebeke, then-president of the European Union chamber, warned the "strict" regulations could force foreign companies to "reconsider new investments or continuing their activities in China" because of possible cost increases. But Xin said there wouldn't be a substantial cost increase for companies that strictly follow the existing Labor Law. "All the principles have been included in the current law. The new law just details the provisions to facilitate implementation," she said.

沈阳中年人体检

SHANGHAI -- China will launch its first Mars probe in October 2009 as part of a joint mission with Russia, said sources with the Shanghai Space Administration, the main developer of the probe, on Monday. Researchers are "pressing ahead" with the project for a synchronized launching with a Russian probe, said Chen Changya, a researcher with the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering, at a space technology exhibition. He said the home-developed Chinese probe is scheduled for completion by June 2009. The probe, 75 centimeters long, 75 centimeters wide, 60 centimeters high and weighing 110 kilograms, is designed to be able to serve a two-year mission, according to Chen. Its model is on display at the exhibition. The Chinese probe, with Russia's Phobos-Grunt, will be launched by a Russian carrier rocket, Chen said. They are expected to land on Mars in 2010 after 10 month's flight.

Chief judge Xiao Yang has pledged to keep up the fight against judicial corruption after the nation's court system rooted out 292 judges last year because of unethical deeds. Greater efforts would be made this year to build a "clean court system", Xiao, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), said in an interview with China Daily. "We must never relax our vigilance on corruption," he said, after he reported to the National People's Congress in early March that, last year, 292 judges were subjected to power abuse investigations, with 109 of them prosecuted. The number of judges charged with corruption was 378 in 2005 and 461 in 2004. However, Xiao, who has been SFC president since 1998, said he had ongoing fears about the "grave situation" of judicial corruption. The 69-year-old chief judge said he "lost sleep" because he was so deeply disturbed by reports of corruption, especially those involving court officials. Corruption involving judges, though in small number, damaged the image of the country's court system and undermined the credibility of the justice system. "We will continue to be serious in handling the official corruption cases," he said. In 2006, two high-level group corruption cases were reported by the Chinese court system. The first involved three top judges from Fuyang Intermediate People's Court in East China's Anhui Province, who were arrested for taking bribes since 2005. Two of the former judges were sentenced to 9 and 10 years respectively, with the other one still on trial. The second case involved five senior judges from Shenzhen's Intermediate People's Court in South China. Three of them were sentenced to jail terms ranging from 3.5 to 11 years, with the other two still on trial. Corrupt judges have disrupted the working of the court system and sometimes resulted in wrong verdicts, Xiao said. A "firewall" against corruption will be consolidated, he said, with the apex court on its way to make four important sets of rules on fee charges, court discipline, judge discipline, and court supervision. The first two sets of rules will be implemented this year, with the other two released for public comment. Of the new rules to be released, he said, court officials are barred from using their influence to seek price discounts in any transactions, to occupy properties under other people's ownership, to collect or to spend money through gambling, to have personal investment managers, or to seek benefits for their family members. Also, beginning last year, the court introduced an "anti-corruption deposit" system. If a 22-year-old court staff member deposits 500 yuan () every year and does not do anything illegal, he will get 300,000 yuan (,600) upon retirement - including his premium and reward.

Police will charge 38-year-old Wu Shengli next week with kidnapping and injuring Wang Bingrong, Party chief of Weining County in southwestern Guizhou Province, on April 13. "We are making final preparations to conduct legal proceedings for the procuratorate departments," a police officer told China Daily yesterday. Wang is still in hospital, according to an official of the county office. The Guangzhou-based Nanfang Weekend reported the case yesterday. According to the newspaper, the kidnapping occurred at the Party chief's home at about 8 pm and the kidnapper demanded a ransom of 21 million yuan (.73 million) for his release. Wang tried to call a local finance official for help, but he thought Wang was playing a joke on him. It was not until the next morning when the official received a second call from Wang that public security departments were alerted. Wang was found seriously injured and rushed to hospital. "There were three big wounds on his head," one of Wang's nurses from Weining County People's Hospital said on April 20. "Surface wounds have healed, but there is still a hematoma inside his head." Wu, from Hubei Province, was captured "without difficulty" and put under criminal custody, the newspaper said. He used to work as a truck driver for a local gold mining company. While officials remain tight-lipped about the case, rumors of why Wang was targeted have spread. "It is a pure kidnap case for money, and there is nothing between Wang and the kidnapper," Li Zhengchao, a local official told the Guangzhou newspaper. But others are not convinced given that Weining is a remote county and kidnapping a top official poses high risks. Two mine explosions in the coal-rich county last May and June killed 20 workers, leading to the shutdown of more than 400 illegal mines. Wang is believed to have ordered the closure of more than 2,000 illegal mines in one year. In Weining, Wang is known for his boldness in streamlining local government bodies. Over-staffing of departments has been a problem in the county. For example, there are as many as six or seven vice-directors for a small department, as compared to two, regulated by the State. Wang's reform has reduced the ranks by more than 100 senior officials. "Many officials could previously stay in their posts until aged 58, but now they have to step down at 50," said a local official. Last November, Wen Jiangang, the former head of Xingren County, was stabbed to death together with five other family members. He was also known for his tough stance on coalmine safety. Wen had closed more than 300 illegal coalmines within six months.

辽中区TTM体检

SHANGHAI: Thirty intellectually disabled teenagers and volunteers from 18 nations and regions shared their friendship, joy and ideas at a forum held on Friday to fight stereotypes and spread the message of the Special Olympics.The 2007 Global Youth Summit, in conjunction with the ongoing Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, offered young people an opportunity to talk openly about their needs and expectations and seek ways to reverse stereotyped attitudes about those who are mentally disadvantaged .The 30 pairs of students each had a Special Olympics athlete accompanied by a peer from a middle school or college. The event also brought together adult celebrities from China and abroad to lend their support.At yesterday's summit, Piao Roubing, 17, an athlete from Northeast China, recalled her friendship with her partner, Zhao Xiaoyue, who now studies at a Shanghai university. After meeting at a community forum five years ago, the two have been in contact to share both their happiness and troubles."I was surprised when I received a short message from her one day to consult me about her pains in growing up," said the 19-year-old Zhao. "I feel I am very important to her and she encourages me to have the power and determination to change lives."Compared with many others, people with intellectual disabilities are more sincere and pure, Zhao said. "She once misunderstood my friendly roughhousing with other girls and offered to help me, which made me very impressed."Asked to describe her companion, Piao said the older girl was respectful, lovely and optimistic."She is a great sister," Piao said.The summit yesterday included a moving moment when Piao, with her eyes covered, was asked to identify Zhao among a group of individuals -- including movie star Colin Farrell -- by only feeling their hands.With little difficulty the girl recognized her friend's hand. "It's hard to describe very clearly, but the feeling (of her hand) is different."Participants at the summit also took part in interactive games, noting that the Special Olympics provides young people the opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities."I find friendship with my partner in basketball," said Serbian athlete Darko Boskovic.Global Youth Summits are held in conjunction with the Special Olympics World Games every two years. The inaugural Global Youth Summit was held in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, during the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

The central government has ordered coal firms to stop driving up prices and said they must honor their supply contracts with power plants in an effort to head off a power shortage.At the request of the National Development and Reform Commission, the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association has threatened to cancel the license of any company that ignores the order to stabilize prices."Coal producers must strictly implement their contract prices for 2008 and must not take advantage of the current tight supply to raise prices as they like," the association said in a circular issued yesterday.Prices should be held at around the same level as at the end of last year, the circular said.The government is also banning all coal shipments other than those to power plants.The crackdown comes as the country faces a severe power shortage. Several power plants are struggling to secure the coal they need, while others are reducing their output rather than lose money as coal prices soar.Brownouts have already hit at least 13 provinces, and at its peak last week, nationwide demand outstripped supply by nearly 70 gigawatts, the People's Daily newspaper reported yesterday.About 80 percent of China's electricity is generated by burning coal.The crackdown on unsafe mines, high global demand, which pushed up prices and the cold snap that has closed roads and downed cables have added to the problem, an official from the State regulator said.

沈阳市体检检查的项目

The first ever white paper on political parties pledges multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Released Thursday by the Information Office of the State Council, the white paper, entitled "China's Political Party System", explains in detail the formation, characteristics and development of the system and its role in economic and social development.Multi-party cooperation is a political system that suits China's conditions, the paper says."China will not mechanically copy other countries' political party systems," the document says, adding that the history of modern and contemporary China has proven that blind emulation of the political or party systems of other countries will not succeed.Zhuang Congsheng, director of the research office of the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, said multi-party cooperation is different from the two-party or multi-party systems in Western countries and the one-party system practised in some other countries. China has established a unique political party system and its own way to fulfill democracy, he said.In China, the ruling party and other parties share the same ideal and same objectives, said Zhuang.The white paper says multi-party cooperation has created a new form of political system in the world.Under this system, the CPC and other parties work closely together and supervise each other, instead of opposing each other, with the CPC ruling the country and the other parties participating in State affairs according to law.By the end of 2006, 31,000 people who were not CPC members and those without party affiliation took up government posts at and above the county level, the paper says.Among them, 18 served as deputy chiefs in the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and ministries, commissions, offices and bureaus directly under the State Council.Minister of Health Chen Zhu and Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang - both educated in Europe - are the first non-CPC members appointed to the Cabinet since the 1970s.Apart from the CPC, there are eight parties in China: Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, China Democratic League, China National Democratic Construction Association, China Association for Promoting Democracy, Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, China Zhi Gong Dang, Jiu San Society and Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League.Xinhua contributed to the story

China's input into education is kept increasing in recent years, with more to be injected into the fundamental career, the government said on Sunday.A senior official with the Department of Education, Science and Culture of the Ministry of Finance, said in an interview with Xinhua on Sunday that education has been listed as the priority area for the central government to increase input in the coming years.The official's words echoed what the Chinese President Hu Jintao said on August 31. The president delivered a speech to more than 100 model teachers from all over the country, marking China's 23rd Teachers' Day which falls on September 10.President Hu stressed that education should be developed in priority to help train more professional and skilled people for the building of a well-off society in an all-round way and propelling of socialist modernization, and vows to support the development of education with more fiscal input.Statistics with the Ministry of Finance said that China's fiscal budget on education in 2007 reached 646.1 billion yuan (US billion), 105.3 billion yuan (US.9 billion) more than that of the previous year, up 19.5 percent year-on-year, higher than the 15.7 percent growth rate of national fiscal budget.In the first half of 2007, China's input into education within the budget has increased over 30 percent in comparison with the same period of last year, according to the ministry.The ministry said China is improving its national input mechanism on education, with the input kept increasing in the past years.During the tenth five-year plan period between 2001 and 2005, China's input on education within the budget totaled 1.5 trillion yuan (US0.4 billion), increasing 1.22 times that of the input during the ninth five-year plan between 1996 and 2000, realizing an annual increase of 17.63 percent.According to the ministry, this year, the increased government input into education will be used in four aspects, namely the rural education, subsidy to poor students, high-schools and colleges, and vocational education.On the basis that the country exempted students in rural areas of western and middle China from tuition and miscellaneous fees related to nine-year compulsory education last year, the same has been applied to the total of 150 million rural students of the whole country this year.The ministry said that in the coming years by 2010, the newly added input from both the central and local governments used on reforming the rural education input mechanism will reached 218.2 billion yuan (US.9 billion), including 125.4 billion yuan (US.6 billion) from the central government.The government also started to improve its subsidy system since the fall semester this year, a move to improve education equality. The system will benefit about four million students from the 1,800 high-schools and about 16 million students from 15,000 vocational schools.To buildup the five-class subsidy framework, the government will input 15.4 billion yuan during this fall semester, with the input to be doubled to 30.8 billion yuan next year. The ministry said the annual input from the government on the improved subsidy system will reach 50 billion yuan in the future.In addition, the Chinese government has also input nearly 40 billion yuan to improve the teaching quality of the high-schools, so as to help China's high-schools listed among the world's top-level schools.To train more professional and skilled talents in the coming years, the central government also planned to input a total of 14 billion yuan on the development of vocational education in the 11th five-year period. The fund will be used to set up more training bases for the vocational schools and further improve teaching quality of those schools.