China has helped some 460,000 homeless beggars in the past twelve months.

The country has built more than 900 help centers nationwide since the management regulation on vagrant beggars was issued last August.

The basic living standard of beggars who receive assistance is set slightly below the local minimum living guarantee.

Authorities also urge strengthening the control of professional beggars and call for stricter penalties for people who manipulate vagrant children to beg.

(CRI.com August 1, 2004)