IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Ecological zones prioritized

'Red line' aims to safeguard soil, water, forestry and biodiversity

Judges to receive better protection

China's top court issued a guideline on Tuesday aimed at severely punishing those who disturb judicial work or take revenge on legal officers, after a grassroots judge was killed by one of his litigants at the end of last month.

Solar drone pushes limits in near-space

China will test how its largest solar drone performs near-space flight this year, the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics announced on Tuesday.

China to invest 1b yuan in national park

Construction of the Sanjiangyuan National Park to protect the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang (Mekong) rivers will start this year with the building of roads and installing of surveillance cameras to assist protection work.

Police arrest 77 over organized prostitution in nightclubs

Beijing police have arrested 77 people on charges of organizing prostitution at three nightclubs in downtown areas.

Children urged to greet, visit parents

Adults in Chongqing who do not live with their elderly parents should regularly visit or greet them via phone, internet or letters, according to new draft legislation released on Monday. The draft is seeking public opinion until March 6.

Rural areas get backing to improve infrastructure

China is to invest 3.4 trillion yuan ($495 billion) over the next four years to improve infrastructure in rural areas, including water supplies, roads and power supplies, as the government seeks to boost incomes and encourage startups.

Farmers benefiting from land-use rights

Li Haiming was called back home two months early before Chinese New Year, and not only because of preparations for the traditional family gathering.

Family robbed, shot in S Africa

Three Chinese tourists who were injured in a robbery in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday have been sent to a hospital and are all in stable condition.

Rescued tourists begin journey home

Four Chinese tourists who were rescued after their boat sank off Malaysia's Sabah state left for China on Monday, China's consulate general said.

Probe launched into pangolin meat dish

The publicity department in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said on Monday it would investigate a WeChat post containing pictures of a banquet hosted by senior officials where a course including pangolin meat was served.