IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Beijing

Officials punished for duty dereliction

The government has punished 1,148 officials for laziness and poor performance following an internal probe last year. Punishments ranged from removal from office or demotion to demerits, the State Council, China's Cabinet, said on Thursday in a statement. Violations included delaying major projects, such as low-cost housing, and turning a blind eye to safety issues, the statement said.