Briefly

China, S. Korea media outlets hail ties at forum

Noting this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea, officials and professionals said media outlets from both countries should shoulder responsibilities to tell stories that boost mutual communication, eliminate misunderstanding and deepen cooperation, a forum heard on Tuesday. Nearly 30 representatives from both countries shared their thoughts at the 14th China-South Korea Media High-level Dialogue, which was held online and offline in Beijing and Seoul on Tuesday. Media outlets are important windows for people from both sides to understand each other and a major channel for communication and exchange, said Sun Yeli, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

123rd joint patrol on Mekong River begins

Law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on Tuesday for the start of the 123rd Mekong River joint patrol. Four vessels are participating in the operation, including two Chinese vessels that departed Tuesday morning from Jingha Port in Yunnan province. The patrol, which is expected to last four days and three nights, will focus on tackling cross-border crimes to ensure safety and stability along the river. The Mekong River — known as the Lancang River in China — is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping.

Population of finless porpoise rises: Survey

A survey conducted last year showed that about 96 finless porpoises were spotted in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River. Compared with 2020, the density of fish resources in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze has increased significantly, and the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise has also increased, according to a report jointly released by authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Jiangsu Provincial Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute. Owing to improved water quality, the distribution range, population and suitable ecological environment of the porpoises are expanding, experts said.

China Daily - Xinhua