English for Chinese Buddhists

China on Tuesday launched an English training program for Buddhist followers to better prepare them for foreign exchange.

The program, organized by the China Religious Culture Communication Association (CRCCA) and the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), opened at the Shanghai International Studies University.

More than 20 Buddhist followers from monasteries nationwide, who had a certain level of English proficiency, were selected for the training. (more)

China to outline first national action plan to protect human rights

China planned to draft its first national action plan to protect human rights, said the State Council Information Office on Tuesday.

The action plan would cover aspects such as improving government function, expanding democracy, strengthening the rule of law, improving people's livelihood, protecting rights of women, children and ethnic minorities and boosting public awareness of human rights, said a statement of the office.

"The panel will carefully plan the human rights development in details and put forward practical policies and measures," said Wang Chen, minister in charge of the State Council Information Office.

But he did not release the timetable of drafting and when the plan would be implemented. (Details on Xinhua News)

And here's FT's comments. Fair enough.