Briefly

MACAO

Macao opposes report by Taiwan authorities

Macao voiced firm opposition on Saturday to a recent report released by the authorities in Taiwan. The Macao Special Administrative Region government said the report contains baseless and biased claims about Macao's development, and is severely lacking in its understanding of the practical situation and public sentiment in Macao. The SAR will continue to stringently fulfill its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and strongly opposes interference in Macao affairs, it said. Since its return to the motherland over two decades ago, thanks to the strong support of the central government and the mainland as a whole, as well as the leadership of the SAR government, Macao has maintained social stability, propelled its economy and its people's well-being, and successfully implemented a high degree of autonomy and the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people administering Macao".

HUNAN

Improper electricity use caused deadly fire

A preliminary investigation into a fire at a medical and nursing institution that killed five people in Central China's Hunan province found that the fire was caused by improper electricity use, the local authorities said. The accident occurred early on Saturday in Shigu district, Hengyang, the city's publicity department said. Nineteen people were in the nursing institution on the third floor of the building, where the fire broke out. Five people were evacuated to safety, and 14 others were sent to hospital for treatment－five of whom died. After the fire, the local government quickly organized treatment, investigation and relief efforts. Those directly responsible for the fire have been detained for further investigation, with several officials removed from office.

BEIJING

In case of accident, avoid Olympics staff

Members of the public should avoid contact with designated transport for Olympic-related personnel if the two parties are involved in a traffic accident, the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said on Sunday. The bureau said in a notice that all personnel involved in the Beijing Winter Olympics will be managed in a closed loop system, and their designated vehicles will be labeled with a special red sign. In the event of an accident with one of these vehicles, citizens should keep their distance, avoid contact with the vehicle and its occupants and wait for other professionals to arrive.

Chairman of China Life Insurance probed

Wang Bin, Party chief and chairman of China Life Insurance (Group), has been put under disciplinary and supervisory investigation by the country's top anti-graft body for suspected severe violations of Party disciplines and national laws. Wang is being investigated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

Xinhua