China issues rules to curb red tape

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese officials have been instructed to hold fewer meetings, give shorter speeches, file concise documents, and minimize inspections, said a new set of regulations published Wednesday.

The regulations were issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council to free grassroots officials from bureaucratism and pointless formalities, and refine a long-term mechanism for reducing burdens at the primary level. ■