China diary

The hukou, which dates to 1958, is an urban residence permit originally designed to prevent peasants flocking into the cities and creating slums while at the same time abandoning the fields vital for feeding the urban workers.

With the introduction of the reform and opening-up policies 35 years ago and skyrocketing economic growth China started to tap its growing rural population for construction and other jobs in the cities.

This migrant workforce, millions strong, were not supposed to bring their families with them but to channel money back to the villages, and eventually return to the rural plots they still owned by right.

But the lack of a hukou meant that many long-term urban residents were denied access to educational and welfare services.

Now, with growing urbanisation - more people now live in cities than in the countryside for the first time in Chinese history - and more efficient methods of farming, the migrants are seen as a resource for China's next economic boom, consumption-led growth.

Zhang Ping, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that China plans to spend 40 trillion yuan (£4trn) to bring 400 million people to cities over the next decade as the new leadership of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang seek to turn China into a wealthy world power with economic growth generated by affluent consumers.

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Lei Feng is back. During the concurrent sessions of the National People's Congress - parliament - and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a united front body which brings together representatives from various political parties as well as religious organisations and elected individuals with no organisation, people were once more urged to "learn from Lei Feng."

Lei (1940-1962) was first held up as a role model in 1963, a year after the young soldier was killed in an accident.

His diary, recording his selfless deeds, was purportedly found and published, and his image adorned posters, especially in school rooms, where young children were taught to emulate him, mainly in the areas of helping others and polishing their manners.

His name has passed into the colloquial language, with "he's a living Lei Feng" being a high form of praise.

As the epitome of altruism Lei Feng has survived decades of political change, indicating that this is one area where CPC leaders of all persuasions have agreed that there is still an uphill battle to fight.

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To get a seat on one of China's crowded buses and underground systems some women are resorting to "pregnancy pads," according to the Beijing News.

These "fake stomachs" can be bought online.

There are even "twins-type" stomachs, which are larger.

They are basically stage props, but as the Chinese government is promoting a good manners campaign, part of which is encouraging people to give up their seats for the elderly and pregnant, they are being put to craftier uses.

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Singapore has sent four bus drivers from China to jail for between six and seven weeks for instigating an illegal strike last November.

Gao Yueqiang, Liu Xiangying, Wang Xianjie and He Junling pleaded guilty.

Gao, Liu and Wang were convicted on one charge of conspiring to instigate the protest.

They were each sentenced to six weeks in jail.

He Junling pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiring and "inciting" the other drivers to take part. He will serve a seven-week jail sentence.

The dispute arose over pay differentials between drivers invited to work in Singapore from Malaysia and China. The latter complained that Singapore's trade unions refused to represent them, whereas back home the All-China Federation of Trade Unions represents all those who wish to join.