MNI China Press Digest Sep 9: Gaming, Reform, Afghanistan

The following lists highlights from Chinese press reports on Thursday:

• The Chinese government summoned online gaming firms including Tencent Holdings and NetEase to ensure they implement the new time limit for providing online games to children, Xinhua News Agency reported. Companies are ordered to observe fair competition, prevent excessive concentration or monopoly, and focus on promoting technological innovation, Xinhua said. Beijing last month set limits for those under 18 from playing video games for no more than three hours a week.
• China will set up so-called innovative pilot zones in six cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, that will create a global-standard business-friendly environment through eliminating protectionism and red tapes, lower market barriers and greater openings to outside markets, the State Council said following an executive meeting on Wednesday. China hopes to stabilize market expectations and ensure smooth economic operations through the reform measures, the council said.
• China is extending aid to Afghanistan as the new interim government needed external help for stability, the Global Times said after Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged $31 million worth of food and medical supplies in a meeting with other neighbouring countries on Wednesday. China hopes that its aid can help restore social order and lay a foundation for future friendly interactions, the newspaper said citing Li Haidong, professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University. Wang called for Afghanistan to keep its ports open and maintain security, while China will work on restoring cargo railway services between the two countries, the newspaper said.