Beijing leads way in standardizing ambulance fees

All ambulances in Beijing will be fitted with taxi-style meters as required by the municipal government in an effort to regulate fee-charging for ambulances in the capital.

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Hukou problem surfaces after an 11-year-old lie comes to light

After 11 years, a woman's Beijing household registration, or hukou, was nullified because authorities said she had used fake documents to obtain it.

Critics blame subcontracting for medical woes

The alleged outsourcing of some services at China's military hospitals has surprised people and stirred controversy, with many calling for intensified regulations following the unexpected death of a college student who had sought treatment at a military hospital in Beijing.

Baidu promises to support family

Baidu will fully support the family of a college student who died after he sought treatment at a hospital advertised on its online search engine, the information giant said.

New generation of imams preaching peace and harmony

People often find it hard to reconcile Ma Jiacheng's youth with his status as the imam, or religious leader, of the biggest mosque in North China. They expect to meet a grave, elderly man, not a smiling 26-year-old who left college only last year.

'It's painful to see Islam used as a weapon'

Ma Jiacheng, the 26-year-old imamat the DoudianMosque in Beijing, hopes the religious centerwill become a platformfor the correction of misunderstandings aboutMuslims. To further that aim, he plans to open the doors to non-Muslims so they can observe religious ceremonies and learnmore about Islam.

Resident-vs-government suits spurred by new law

Lawsuits against central and Beijing government departments have substantially increased since a law was adopted last year easing residents' path to challenge official administrations in court.

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China's manufacturing activity expanded for a second consecutive month in April but at a slower pace. April's purchasing managers index came in at 50.1 in April, after 50.2 in March, and below market expectations of 50.3, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, and lower than 50 a contraction.

Central, western areas to get elite universities

Elite universities are to be established by the Ministry of Education in 14 central and western provinces that have never had a university directly under the ministry before, as part of the central government's pledge to bridge the widening education gap.

Alipay gains foothold in Thailand at convenience store chain

Chinese travelers can now make purchases at Thai 7-Eleven convenience stores using the Alipay app on the smartphones at 9,000 Counter Service cashiers - with no transaction fees.

Leaders urge growth efforts

Good start made in the first quarter, but downward pressure still exists, meeting told