China's questto play larger regional role on display at APEC

It started off 20 years ago as one of the world's champions for trade liberalization, its members coming to non-binding agreements on a voluntary basis.

Dhaka most at-risk in Asia climate-threat study

SINGAPORE: Dhaka, Manila and Jakarta are among the major cities in Asia most vulnerable to rising seas, storms and other climate change impacts, underscoring the threat to lives and economies, a report said yesterday.

Panda mania hits Singapore

Climb the Great Wall, wander the grounds of the Forbidden City, partake in Peking duck and watch the marching guards in Tian'anmen Square these are some of the things I have done in Beijing that allow me to tell others I have seen it all after more than two years in the capital.

China ready to push for 'fair' Copenhagen: Foreign Minister

SINGAPORE: China is willing to work with other participants at the UN-sponsored climate change summit to be held in Copenhagen next month to reach a "fair and reasonable" outcome, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said yesterday.

APEC milestones

2008 - Peru

Taxi fares to rise as fuel costs surge

Taxi passengers will have an extra 1 yuan added to their fares within days after the city's fuel price hit its highest level in years.

Private gasoline prices defy national hike

Private and foreign-funded gasoline stations are challenging State-owned stations with discounted rates after the national cost of fuel hit a record high on Tuesday.

Weekly in danger as Beijing media merges

Beijing's weekly paper, The First, may sack some staff following integration with a daily newspaper, a reporter said yesterday.

IN BRIEF (Page 25)

Chinese scholarship for foreign students

A total of 113 foreigners have been awarded scholarships worth 85,800 yuan ($12,580) to become Chinese language teachers.

Artist village to be transformed

Beijing's most famous and largest artist community will be developed into a colossal cultural and creative industry base, the municipal government said.

Fast food promotion to cook up fights

McDonald's has cut its prices for the second time this year, and may prompt other fast food chains to lower their prices, analysts say.