White paper on right to development issued

The Chinese government on Thursday issued a white paper on the right to development, expounding on its philosophy, practice and contribution. The white paper, titled "The Right to Development: China's Philosophy, Practice and Contribution", states that development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governance and national revitalization, and the key to resolving all other problems.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Donations for sick girl to be returned after outcry

More than 2.6 million yuan ($380,000) raised online by a father for his seriously ill daughter will be returned to the donors following public outcry over his alleged lack of honesty about the family's economic situation, according to a joint statement on Thursday.

Hebei issues red pollution alert

Hebei province on Thursday issued this year's first red alert for a three-day bout of severe air pollution.

Shijiazhuang halts operations of pharmaceutical manufacturers

China's largest pharmaceutical industrial base has temporarily shuttered all companies in the sector to control pollution.

Murder retrial may overturn convictions

Four men who claim they were wrongfully jailed for murder had their case retried at the Jiangxi Higher People's Court.

Body found in desert may have been there for 50 years

Police suspect a body found in the desert of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to be that of a man from Sichuan province who went missing more than 50 years ago.

Duo lose appeal against disqualification

The Court of Appeal in Hong Kong on Wednesday rejected the appeal of two separatist legislators-elect and upheld a previous ruling that disqualified them and vacated their seats in the Legislative Council.

Flights linking Taiwan to increase

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have agreed to arrange more flights across the Straits during the coming Spring Festival to ensure people on both sides can return home for family reunions during the Chinese New Year, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday.

SCO members will join forces to combat terrorism

China has called for intensified intelligence sharing and evidence collecting with Shanghai Cooperation Organization members to prevent Chinese from traveling to the Middle East to receive military training and returning to conduct terrorist attacks.

Gas explosion traps 22 miners

At least 22 miners have been trapped underground following a gas explosion at a coal mine in Heilongjiang province, authorities said on Wednesday, the latest accident to hit the country's coal mining industry.

Asian journalism embraces opportunities for cooperation

The Forum for Asian Deans of Journalism and Communication took place in Shanghai on Wednesday, bringing together experts from universities and the media industry to discuss current and future perspectives of Asian journalism and communication.