Standards to improve English signage

China released its first national standards on the use of English in public service areas on Tuesday in an effort to eradicate errors and provide better services to English speakers.

The standards include principles on the use of English - including translations from Chinese - in 13 public sectors, including transportation, tourism, entertainment, sports and education.

They include avoiding word-for-word translations, rarely used vocabulary and expressions that damage the image or interests of China or other nations.