Reefs increase 10% after rescue by 'blue knights'

Dazhou Island is the largest offshore island in Hainan province, with its clear waters attracting a wide variety of tropical fish.

Around China

A postgraduate student from Central South University in Changsha expressed his love for his girlfriend in midair. Song Qixuan, 25, fell in love with his schoolmate Lu Yan and decided to make a special expression of his love during an aviation festival.

'Double standards' criticized

Experts said on Monday that China's island reclamation in the South China Sea is well-founded, and the United States has adopted double standards on the issue.

Kidnapped cyclist freed after 15 months

An IT specialist kidnapped 15 months ago during a cycling trip in northwestern Pakistan was rescued from the Taliban splinter group holding him captive and was expected to return home to Hubei province in a few days.

Meetings seek deals on aviation, taxation

Lin Join-sane, chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation, arrived in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, on Monday to join the upcoming 11th round of talks between the negotiating bodies of the mainland and Taiwan.

Abe won't attend China's commemorative celebration

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend September events in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Tokyo government's top spokesman - and Abe himself - said on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Troops set to step out in style

Officers and soldiers from the People's Liberation Army will wear newly designed uniforms when they march in the military parade in Beijing on Sept 3, PLA Parade Joint Command logistics officers said.

WWII veterans' pensions raised

China will increase the pensions of veterans who fought in World War II, starting in October, a civil affairs official said. It is one of a number of measures to honor veterans ahead of the Victory Day commemorations on Sept 3.

Car limits result in public transit record

The number of people taking public transportation reached a record high for the year as Beijing imposed traffic restrictions in advance of the Sept 3 military parade, prompting an increase in subway train capacity and safety measures.

Beijing strives to keep air quality high ahead of big event

Air quality in Beijing is expected to remain at the optimum standard in the coming days, as heavily polluting factories have curbed or stopped production before the World War II victory anniversary parade on Sept 3, environmental authorities said on Monday.

New report lists costs of raw materials in TCM

Maca, an herb used to boost male sexual potency in traditional Chinese medicine, is likely to maintain its popularity in China if price is a factor.