Briefly

Premier calls for more ASEAN cooperation

Premier Li Qiang called on Tuesday for strengthening policy communication, exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN to jointly make contributions to global food and agriculture governance. In a congratulatory message sent to the opening of the Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation between China and ASEAN, Li also said that China stands ready to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to deepen partnerships in green agricultural development, poverty reduction and rural vitalization, smart agriculture and the digital countryside, and advance the steady development of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Opening-up continues to offer opportunities

Vice-President Han Zheng said on Tuesday that China's basic policy of opening-up will not change and it is willing to share the new opportunities brought about by its new development with enterprises from all countries, including those from the United States. Han made the remarks when meeting with Howard Schultz, founder of the Schultz Family Foundation and former chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks, in Beijing. He encouraged Schultz and his foundation to continue to actively participate in China's economic development and reform and opening-up, and make contributions to the development of bilateral ties. Schultz congratulated China on its historic achievements in economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods, and expresses his willingness to fully leverage the influence of the Schultz Foundation and Starbucks to promote more achievements in economic and trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the US and China.

State Council to oversee Zhejiang fire probe

The Work Safety Committee of the State Council has decided to directly oversee the investigation of a deadly fire that claimed 11 lives in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. The fire broke out in a factory in an industrial area of Wuyi county at around 2 pm on April 17. All of the deceased were trapped on the third floor of the building. The committee urged the Zhejiang authorities to identify the cause of the accident and report to the committee as soon as possible, according to a media release from the Ministry of Emergency Management, where the office of the committee is based. The report, which should include suggestions on how to punish those responsible for the accident, will be made public after it is approved by the office, the release said.

Illegal fundraising cases drop for 3 years in a row

Cases of illegal fundraising have decreased in China for three consecutive years, and so has the amount of money and people involved, according to a recent cross-ministry meeting. The relevant meeting ascribed the progress to the country's continued efforts in cracking down on related crimes, in particular those concerning elderly care. It, however, warned of growing risks as online cases, which are murkier and more hazardous, are causing greater difficulties for regulators. The country must remain iron-fisted in dealing with illegal fundraising crimes, especially those involving amounts over 100 million yuan ($14.5 million) or lasting for more than five years, according to the meeting.

China Daily - Xinhua