Vulnerable seniors to receive regular check-ins
China is rolling out a nationwide system aimed at ensuring its most isolated and vulnerable elderly residents receive regular care and home visits.
Under a joint directive from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and national ageing commissions, local authorities must launch these support services by the end of 2026, targeting seniors who live alone, are disabled, or lack family support — including rural "left-behind" parents and families who have lost their only child.
County governments will build localized recipient lists and expand care teams through 2027 to ensure eligible seniors receive check-ins at least once every two weeks. The initiative aims to fully establish routine, long-term care mechanisms across the country by 2028.
Railway expands parcel services for Singles' Day
China's railway authorities launched a 20-day express delivery operation on Sunday to handle the Singles' Day online shopping rush, with high-speed rail express capacity expected to increase 10 percent year-on-year, according to China Railway Express.
The company, a logistics provider of China State Railway Group, the national railway operator, uses the railway network and road pickup and delivery services to transport parcels and freight door to door. The operation runs through Nov 20.
About 1,900 high-speed passenger trains will carry parcels daily using express storage cabinets and spare space, while around 78 trains will provide designated carriages or areas for shipments. Another 43 early-morning high-speed trains operating without passengers will carry express goods.
Three trains dedicated entirely to high-speed freight will serve routes linking Kunming and Chengdu, as well as Chengdu, Guangyuan and Guiyang.
IP, customs join forces on rights protection
The China National Intellectual Property Administration and the General Administration of Customs have issued a joint opinion to strengthen intellectual property protection through closer data-sharing and enforcement cooperation.
The policy document calls for a long-term working mechanism for data sharing and application while ensuring data security.
The CNIPA will regularly provide the GAC with basic trademark and patent data to make it easier for rights holders to register their IP with customs authorities, according to the opinion.
The top IP regulator will also share information on well-known trademark recognition, trademarks that have been revoked or declared invalid, and administrative rulings on major patent infringement disputes, to assist customs authorities in law enforcement.
The two sides will also assist each other in investigating import and export cases involving suspected trademark or patent infringement.
Rights holders with well-known trademark records, geographical indication marks, or businesses in key sectors such as photovoltaics are encouraged to register their IP with customs authorities for stronger protection based on industrial policy and risk analysis, the policy document said.
CHINA DAILY
