BEIJING -- The general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council have jointly released a set of guidelines on improving the country's voluntary service system.

It is the first document issued by the central authorities that lays out systematic plans for improving the voluntary service system in the new era.

The guidelines comprise nine parts, focusing on areas such as the mobilization, supply and personnel organization of voluntary services.

The document also expounds on work related to voluntary culture, a support system for voluntary services and international exchanges on voluntary services, while calling for stronger organization and leadership.

The aim is to basically form a voluntary service system that is well-developed, procedure-based, collaborative and efficient by 2035, with solid ranks, expanded service areas, a sound network, extensive international exchanges and cooperation, and active public participation in place, according to the guidelines.

The release of the document will be of great significance to improving the voluntary service and work systems and promoting the long-term development of the country's voluntary services, said an official with the Social Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

China currently has 236 million registered volunteers.