PLA company named 'Model of the Times'

An armored infantry company of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, whose predecessor was the storied Liulaozhuang Company founded in 1943, was awarded the title of "Role Model of the Times" by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee recently. The department praised the company as "heroic successors of the Liulaozhuang Company" and called on the public to learn from their spirit, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The Liulaozhuang Company's legacy dates back to March 1943, when an 82-member unit of the New Fourth Army fought against more than 1,000 Japanese and collaborating troops in Liulaozhuang village in Huai'an, Jiangsu province. After a fierce battle, all 82 soldiers were killed. Following the battle, local residents quickly formed a new company of 82 young men to carry on their comrades' mission, naming it after the Liulaozhuang Company.

Event to promote civility in rural life

China will hold its first National Conference on Social Civility in Rural Areas from Oct 29 to 30 in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, to promote moral progress and cultural vitality in the countryside, officials said on Thursday. The event, themed "Civility Makes Rural Life Better", aims to strengthen public participation, facilitate exchange and showcase achievements made in promoting rural civility, said Hu Kaihong, vice-minister of the Central Office of Cultural and Ethical Progress. Jointly hosted by the office, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Shaanxi provincial government, the conference will include a plenary session and four subforums focused on reforming outdated village customs, preserving rural cultural heritage, and developing local cultural and sports programs. A second segment will feature outstanding cultural and artistic performances.

China Daily