BEIJING - China will further encourage philanthropy through a range of measures, including legal and institutional ones, since philanthropy in China is still in its initial stage, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Dou Yupei said Tuesday.

"The deadly disasters in recent years, such as Wenchuan earthquake and Zhouqu mudslide, have propelled people to lend helping hands and promoted the philanthropic course in China," he said.

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Much needs to be done to further the development of philanthropy in the country, Dou said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of China's top legislature.

-- Legislation. The ministry has drafted the "Law on Charity" in 2006 and submitted it to the State Council in 2008.

-- Promotion of philanthropic culture. Efforts should be made to cultivate a philanthropic atmosphere in which more people consider doing charity as part of a lifestyle.

-- Cultivating charitable organizations.

-- Enhance transparency in the use of donations. The ministry is drafting a guideline to ensure transparency and discipline in charitable organizations.

As for the high-profile philanthropy of Chen Guangbiao, a mainland tycoon who handed out money to people on the street, Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo said, "Chen was doing a good thing and his philanthropic actions may inspire others to do the same."

"I believe all philanthropic actions, both high-profile or anonymous, should be encouraged," Li said.

Chen, chairman of Jiangsu Huangpu Recycling Resources Co, Ltd, is regarded as a moral model for his generous donations.