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Smog rolling in early; Hebei sets new target

With smog hitting the northern regions before the weekend, Hebei province has vowed to take tough measures against air pollution, which is expected to be serious this winter.

China embraces grassroots democracy

CHENGDU - Retirement has proved a busy time for Tian Jingyu. The former police officer, 69, leads a five-member council that discusses issues of importance to the Beiyuan neighborhood, where 1,300 people live in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Japanese war witnesses speak

A group of Japanese veterans, their relatives and a former Japanese politician began a weeklong visit to Changchun, Jilin province, on Tuesday to promote peace by sharing oral histories of their nation's invasion of China.

Electricity not always shocking

Zhou Gang turned on the shower and aimed the stream of water at an electrical outlet connected to a water heater in a simulated bathroom. The heater kept working, and he didn't get a shock.

9-province drug ring busted

JINAN - Chinese police have broken up a drug manufacturing and distribution ring comprising 19 members in nine provinces. The public security bureau of Weifang, Shandong province, confirmed on Thursday that it caught the suspects and seized 200 kilograms of drugs and 300 kg of production materials.

Govt issues guidance for quality of products

China will improve legislation to promote product quality and establish a system that subjects producers and sellers of substandard goods to punitive compensation measures.

Councils to help promote culture

China's State-owned cultural institutions will adopt a new management system to give them more flexibility and make them more responsive to the public.

Official: Defendant's rights 'fully protected'

The rights and interests of Taiwan resident Lee Ming-che and his family were fully protected during the investigation of his crime and subsequent trial on the Chinese mainland, an official said on Wednesday.

PLA Navy gets new commissar

China has appointed the former chief of the general office of the Central Military Commission as the new political commissar of the People's Liberation Army Navy, media reports said.

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Maternity benefits case puts policies in spotlight

An incident in which a woman announced her pregnancy after three days on a new job - and then quit immediately after her maternity leave expired - triggered online discussions and comments that such incidents may create barriers for women in job hunting.