The first projects include standards for software, information security, E-administration, digital television and radio, modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, bio-chips, public facilities, and food safety.

Cai Jianhua, an official with the bureau, said once they are acknowledged by the relevant state departments, the standards will become the country's authorized technical standards.

Some of them, like information security and traditional Chinese medicine modernization, will become international standards, meaning any organization and individual engaged in the information industry in China, or in developing traditional Chinese medicine in other countries, will have to abide by these standards set by China.

Cai noted technical standards are unified regulations arising from repetitive development and service.

He said these standards will help to improve service quality and protect the interests of consumers.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2002)