Schools are asked to make sure students have one hour per day to do physical exercise. (File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili on Friday called for the development of school physical education in order to build up the health of youngsters.

    At a national teleconference on physical education, Chen asked schools to make sure students have one hour per day to do physical exercise, to ensure the quality of physical education and to reduce students' homework burden.

    China has issued a circular urging more efforts to improve young people's health. Chen urged education authorities and schools to completely carry out the measures stipulated in the circular.

    Local governments should increase investment into school sports facilities while families and communities should also encourage sports activities among young people, Chen added.

    The health of Chinese students is deteriorating because of their heavy study burden, lack of sleep and physical exercise, according to the circular released this week.

    Recent reports show that the incidence of shortsightedness and obesity is high in urban areas while malnutrition is serious in rural areas.