介绍:
SCO drawing to an end with the signing of joint communique
The 14th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is drawing to close in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, with the signing of a joint communiqu¨¦.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on all SCO member states to step up efforts in the cooperation of security, capacity, interconnection, finance, regional trade and people's livelihoods.
During the two-day meeting, heads of government from the SCO member states also exchanged ideas on cooperation in the fields of investment, finance, transportation and cultural communication.
The SCO, founded in 2001, currently has six member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, with Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan as observers and Belarus, Turkey and Sri Lanka as dialogue partners.
China Objects to US Arms Sales to Taiwan
China is strongly urging the United States to stop selling arms to the Taiwan region.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, notes that Beijing's stance on this issue is clear and consistent.
Hong Lei urged the US government to realize the harm and sensitivity of such an action.
It's being reported that the Obama administration may authorize the sale of two guided missile frigates to Taiwan as soon as this week.
China Central Gov't Solicits Online Advice on 5-year Plan
The official website of China's central government has started to accept suggestions and opinions from the general public on the national economic and social development roadmap for the next 5 years.
Suggestions and opinions will be processed and passed on to the institutions drafting the plan, known as the 13th 5-year Plan which runs from 2016 to 2020.
The public must register with their real name and phone number to submit their opinions.
Submissions will last until January 15, 2016.
The 13th 5-year-plan aims to build a moderately prosperous society, and double its 2010 GDP and per capita income of both urban and rural residents by 2020.
Corruption Behind Safety Accidents Apply Harsher Penalties: Authorities
A new judicial interpretation on the crime of endangering production safety has suggested that corruption leading to safety accidents should attract harsher penalties.
The interpretation was released by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.
It also suggested penalties for state employees illegally investing in or holding stocks of enterprises committing the crime of endangering production safety.
Many of such devastating accidents have turned out to be related to official corruption or dereliction of duty.
Official data shows trials of over 5700 such cases have been completed by courts at all levels from 2012 to 2014.
4 Killed, 10 Injured in Northeast China Road Accident
4 people have been killed and 10 others injured in a road accident in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
The accident happened this morning when a tourist bus rolled over on a highway in Shangzhi City.
The investigation is still underway.
National Snowboard Halfpipe Championship Kicks Off in North China
A five-day national snowboard halfpipe championship has kicked off in the city of Zhalantun in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
122 skiers from 11 teams are taking part.
The event will serve as a qualification for China's 13th Winter Games, which will take place in January next year in Xinjiang.
Rare Marble Sphinx Carving Unearthed in Northwest China
Archaeologists have announced that a rare well-preserved marble sphinx carving has been unearthed in a tomb in northwest China.
The delicately-carved sphinx statue was excavated in November along with 8 other carvings in the tomb in Guyuan City of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
It has a human face with a bulge on the head and a sitting lion body, and was found intact except for minor damage in the middle of the face, displaying excellent craftsmanship.
An epitaph shows the tomb housed a couple living during the Tang Dynasty.
Archaeologists believe that the excavations will help scientists better understand trade during that period of time.
New Zealanders Face 'Historic Choice' on National Flag: Vice PM
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said the people in the country have a clear choice for a new national flag.
He made the remarks after the final result of last month's referendum on 5 possible alternatives was revealed.
The winner was a stylized white fern on a black and blue background with the 4 red stars of the Southern Cross, taking around 50 percent of the allowable votes.
The design will be put forward, with the current flag which features the British Union Jack in the top left corner, to a second referendum next March.
The winner of that poll will become or remain the official national flag of the country.
