BEIJING, Dec. 18-- Charitable donations in China are set to become tax deductible, according to a guideline released by the central government on Thursday.

The guideline, published by the State Council, also said that donations from abroad to charities in China could enjoy preferential tariff rates.

The guideline called for opening more donation channels, emphasizing the development of Internet philanthropy. It also called on social forces such as public institutions and media outlets to provide more support for philanthropy.

The guideline urged charitable organizations to improve management standards and enhance their credibility. It vowed to punish those who wilfully dishonor charitable organizations and hurt their reputation.

Philanthropy in China witnessed a boom in 2008, after a strong earthquake hit southwest China's Sichuan Province. But a series of scandals in following years have impeded its development.