Increase seen in number of wild pandas

The number of wild pandas in Northwest China's Gansu province increased 15 percent to 132 between 2001 and the end of last year, according to official survey results released on Friday.

Former NBA star Marbury applies for Chinese 'green card'

Former NBA star Stephon Marbury, who left a $20 million NBA contract behind six years ago to play basketball in Beijing, has applied for a Chinese "green card".

IN BRIEF (Page 2)

Staying on top in times of change

Publishing boss Barry Clarke is on a recruitment mission. He has flown in from Singapore, where he is Asia managing director of academic publisher Taylor & Francis, to recruit a CEO for the company's China operations.

Need for speed is key for chief executives, say bosses

David Bondi says one of the difficulties of being a modern CEO is coping with the mass of communications in an increasingly connected world.

Budgets cut further in frugality bid

Government budgets for overseas travel, official vehicles and receptions will be reduced by 11.7 percent this year to promote frugality, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.

Pudong marks 25 dramatic years

The Pudong New Area in Shanghai is marking its 25th anniversary - rising from rural farmland to become an engine for economic and social development in the city and the nation.

Xi set to visit Pakistan and Indonesia

President Xi Jinping is to make a long-awaited visit to Pakistan next week, his first overseas trip this year.

'Repeated apologies need to be made by Japan'

Japan must say it's sorry repeatedly to China and the other countries it invaded in the 20th century until its former victims have heard the apology enough times, according to novelist Haruki Murakami.

A moment in time: Teaching is the best move

Chinese children have enjoyed enduring attention from their parents to cultivate personal interests.

Guests try to untangle hotel names

Today's traveler faces a bewildering choice of hotel brands with similar-sounding and confusing names. Want to stay at a Hyatt? Take your pick. There's Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place and, coming soon, Hyatt Centric.

Hot list

After an absence of several years, sandstorms have roared back in North China, causing people to seek shelter indoors to escape the dust-laden air and bringing the fine yellow layer that covers cars. Here are some of the most vulnerable cities.