Political Lens

Efforts urged for free preschool education services

A State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Qiang on Friday called for the gradual implementation of free preschool education services, saying relevant subsidies should be distributed fully and on time.

It was stressed at the meeting that authorities should determine the cost of running a kindergarten in a scientific manner, and coordinate efforts to subsidize both public and private kindergartens.

Authorities were asked to strengthen the construction of preschool education infrastructure, raise the salaries of kindergarten teachers and improve the quality of preschool services. Efforts should be strengthened to supervise and manage preschool education services to ensure the physical and mental health of children in kindergartens.

Officials at the meeting were also urged to stay highly vigilant and strengthen collaboration to guarantee people's safety during the current flood season, while ensuring sufficient water supplies for people and crops in drought-hit areas.

Also, interim measures for the investigation and assessment of natural disasters were adopted at the meeting.

Top legislator eyes more practical cooperation with Kyrgyzstan

Top legislator Zhao Leji expressed readiness to further boost practical cooperation with Kyrgyzstan during an official goodwill visit from Wednesday to Thursday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislature, met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and held talks with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu in Bishkek during the visit.

When meeting with Japarov, Zhao first conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes.

Hailing the leapfrog development of bilateral relations as being in their best shape ever, Zhao said that China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, carry forward their traditional friendship, enhance strategic mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

Japarov, for his part, asked Zhao to convey his sincere greetings to Xi.

He said that Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns and actively participates in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Vice-president meets Pakistani army chief

Vice-President Han Zheng met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in Beijing on Friday.

China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners, with bilateral relations marked by high-level mutual trust, solidarity through challenges and a shared future, Han said.

He said that China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen their all-weather friendship and expand all-around cooperation.

Munir said that Pakistan supports China's three global initiatives and firmly stands with China.

China Daily - Xinhua