The State Council decided on July 21 to set up a joint working group, led by State Councilor Wang Yong, to promote the implementation of a plan to overhaul associations and guilds affiliated with government departments.

The plan was released by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on July 8. The working group will be responsible for guiding and supervising the separation of associations and guilds from government departments in different regions, and help to solve problems and difficulties arising during the process.