Military scholar: 'Low key' best for South China Sea

A lot can change in three years, and that was certainly the case for Major General Yao Yunzhu, a military scholar who saw her role shift on Saturday from a person who was asking tough questions at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue to one who answered them.

Primary school's air tested for poisons; experts keep watch

Experts are testing air quality samples taken at a Beijing primary school after some parents of students claimed recently that their children had become ill after exposure to the school's new synthetic playground surface.

Charges of bribery hit 5 top officials

Five senior officials have been prosecuted for alleged bribery, China's top prosecuting body said on Friday.

Playground closed after students become sick

A primary school playground has been deemed off limits after some students at the school reportedly became sick.

Theft ring claims victims were corrupt

A group of suspects who allegedly stole from more than a dozen officials nationwide were put on trial in Hefei, Anhui province, on Friday.

Agriculture ministers agree to share data

Agricultural ministers from the world's 20 leading economies plan to use information technology and the internet to improve integrity and efficiency in the global agricultural sector and benefit farmers.

Fading El Nino continues to affect weather

The lingering effects of El Nino will continue to cause larger rainfall and the possibility of severe flooding in China's coastal regions, said Zhou Bing, chief engineer of National Climate Center, under the China Meteorological Administration, on Friday.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Pollution daunting despite some progress, report says

Improvement seen in air and water, but many cities still failed to meet standards

Children's medicine imports to be fast-tracked

Some children's drugs that have been used in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan for years will be put on a fast track for importation, China's top health authority said on Wednesday.

Would-be thief ends up stealing people's hearts

A mother who was caught stealing a fried chicken drumstick and a storybook as a gift for her sick daughter on International Children's Day has ended up warming the hearts of the public.

Woman seeks pay for false conviction

A woman who was wrongfully jailed for about 13 years is seeking state compensation of nearly 10 million yuan ($1.5 million).