IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Syngenta OKs ChemChina bid

China National Chemical Corp, also known as ChemChina, said on Friday that shareholders of Syngenta AG, the Swiss agrochemical and seed producer, have accepted its $43 billion takeover bid, paving the way for completion of China's biggest international acquisition deal.

Aircraft manufacturing to take off on C919 jet

The successful maiden flight of the C919, a single-aisle homegrown passenger jet, is expected to provide a major impetus to the domestic airplane manufacturing industry.

China Eastern sees new plane as 'star' of its fleet

China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd said that the C919, China's homegrown large passenger jet, is set to become the new star of its 600-plus aircraft fleet, stating that its "safety and state-of-the-art design will bring superb a flying experience to its passengers".

Canton Fair ends, with deals valued at $30b

China's foreign trade is expected to sustain an upward trend in the near future, as more export-oriented companies focus on developing new levels of competitiveness, according to the spokesman of the nation's biggest trade event.

Lottery to stabilize Shanghai housing

Shanghai will introduce a lottery system for sales of new residential projects as demand is overtaking supply, according to a circular of the city's housing authorities.

UC Berkeley opens Silk Road center

The University of California, Berkeley, has opened the first institutionalized center in the United States dedicated to the study of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that linked China with the West.

Not welcome: Japan balks at refugees

TOKYO - It has been a decade since Liliane last saw her little girl. She fled Africa in fear for her life, leaving behind everything she knew and loved in the hope of a fresh start in Japan.

US moves to ban 'lunch shaming' kids at schools

LOS ANGELES - In some schools, children are forced to mop cafeteria floors. In others, their hot meal is taken away and thrown in the trash. In extreme cases, students are sent home with a stamp on their arm that reads "I owe lunch money."

SiriusXM radio to start Beatles channel

NEW YORK - SiriusXM satellite radio said Tuesday it will debut a channel devoted to the Beatles later this month, achieving a long-sought dream to highlight the music of the pop legends.

Antarctic iceberg the size of 5 Hong Kongs is set to break off

SEATTLE - A crack that could create an iceberg the size of five Hong Kongs - and destabilize one of the largest ice shelves in the Antarctic - has branched out and begun to widen more quickly, a scientist said on Wednesday.

Hidden gem offers Big Apple retreat

NEW YORK - Located behind a row of cottages in Snug Harbor and regarded as a hidden gem in New York's Staten Island, the Chinese Scholar's Garden offers a pleasant surprise to visitors.