An evening gala to mark International Children's Day, which falls on June 1, was staged in Beijing and broadcast live on the country's dominant television station.

The gala, featuring songs and dances performed by children, was broadcast at prime time on two China Central Television channels, including the channel catering for young people.

The gala was held by the Women and Children's Work Committee of the State Council, in cooperation with All-China Women's Federation and other institutions.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, was present at the gala.

Other Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, have taken part in activities celebrating Children's Day in the past three days, in moves to show their concerns for the country's 367 million minors.

China made public a package of unprecedented proposals on creating a sound and better environment for the youngsters under 18 to grow up well, an environment free of drugs and pornographic and other harmful products.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2004)