8 dead in Xinjiang quake

At least eight people were killed and 23 injured by a magnitude-5.5 earthquake that jolted Taxkorgan county in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Thursday morning.

Lawmakers draft bill to protect national anthem

Lawmakers are drafting a bill on the use of the national anthem to ensure it is regarded as something sacrosanct. The draft is expected to be submitted for its first reading in June, according to the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

15 of China's most-wanted are convicted

Of the 40 most-wanted fugitives who have returned to China, 15 have been convicted so far in the country's effort to run down corrupt former officials.

Official: Taiwan shouldn't mislead

The Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan "should reflect thoroughly" on why Taiwan has been able to take part in the World Health Assembly meetings over the past eight years but not this year, An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

12 victims identified in tunnel crash, fire

The 12 victims of a deadly traffic accident in Weihai, Shandong province, on Tuesday have all been identified, the local government said on Wednesday.

Escapee captured after eight days on the run

Police captured a convict on Wednesday, eight days after he escaped from prison.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Xi's Guangxi visit invigorates Belt, Road vision

President Xi Jinping's inspection tour of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region last month has invigorated the vision for the development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, local officials and entrepreneurs said.

Red Cross raises money to fund humanitarian projects

The Red Cross Society of China has launched the Belt and Road Fraternity Fund to boost humanitarian activities and cooperation between countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Initiative creates tourism boom

The number of visits by Chinese tourists to Belt and Road countries, as well as trips by tourists from those countries to China, have increased rapidly since the initiative was proposed, industry insiders said.

Businesses told to learn from foreign NGOs

NGOs from overseas can provide valuable recommendations and consultations to help Chinese businesses adapt to different business environments in countries supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, representatives of the NGOs said on Wednesday.

Italy rolls out red carpet for Chinese tourists

Mandarin signs are being added at airports and railway stations in Italy, and free Wi-Fi services are being set up at public venues to make Chinese tourists' visits to the country easier and happier, a senior Italian official said.