Chinese authorities order crackdown on irregular forums

BEIJING -- The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and 10 other authorities have issued a circular calling for a nationwide crackdown on irregular forums, summits, seminars and other related activities.

Irregular activities, according to the circular, include unofficial activities claiming to be organized by authorities and activities improperly described as "national," "international" or "summits."

The crackdown will also focus on activities that collect fees irregularly and activities that pay participants with money, expensive gifts or securities, the circular said.