US Senate approves tax overhaul in big victory for Trump

WASHINGTON - The US Senate on Saturday approved a sweeping tax overhaul, moving Republicans and President Donald Trump a major step closer to their goal of slashing taxes for businesses and the rich while offering everyday US citizens a mixed bag of changes.

Volcano eruption in Bali a blow to tourism

BALI, Indonesia - Impacts from escalating volcanic activities of Mount Agung on Bali island have direly affected those earning their living from tourism in Amed, an eastern coastal area well known for its beautiful beaches, surfing and diving spots.

Veteran grills Japan's WWII stance

DENVER, Colorado - With China's national day of mourning for the Nanjing Massacre (also known as the Rape of Nanking), less than two weeks away, John Yee, a Flying Tigers veteran, remembers when they posted pictures of mutilated and decapitated Chinese babies on giant placards in downtown Kunming, Yunnan province.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Using professionals for cities' benefits

Some second-tier cities are competing with not only each other, but also first-tier cities to attract talents. The governments of some second-tier cities are offering professionals local hukou (household registration), which is linked to all social welfare benefits, residential accommodation and cash subsidies.

Sway of Chinese language on display

At a recent forum in Hong Kong, Jim Rogers, a Wall Street tycoon, played for the other participants a video of his daughter reciting aloud a classical Chinese poem. This is not the first time Happy Rogers, the elder daughter of the global investor, has exhibited her proficiency in the Chinese language.

Building a better world with foreign parties

Serving the Chinese people has always been the primary goal of the Communist Party of China, but it has also had a global vision, and the ongoing CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting in Beijing is an example of giving shape to that vision.

Argentina hopes China will help improve WTO

Argentina will host the Eleventh World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires from Dec 10 to 13. The WTO's main decisions are made at this meeting, which takes place every two years. As the host, it is both a great honor and challenge for Argentina to preside over a conference whose rule-based systems stem not from confrontation or wielding of power, but are the fruits of careful consensus building.

US move threatens free trade

The legal brief the United States filed with the World Trade Organization on Thursday to oppose the designation of China as a market economy risks derailing Sino-US economic relations and reflects Washington's unwillingness to respect free trade and globalization.

Electric bus marks Cuban milestone

HAVANA - A green bus manufactured by a Chinese company has been traveling around the streets of Havana, marking a milestone in Cuba's history of public transportation.

Tradition threatens fish stocks

ISTANBUL - After half a century of fishing, 65-year-old Fuat, a retired Turkish civil servant, is nostalgic for the good old days when the Bosporus in Istanbul teemed with fish.

Border city booms with deeper China-Russia economic ties

ZABAIKALSK, Russia - An increase in freight and people has brought prosperity to Zabaikalsk, a small city in the Far East near the Russian-Chinese border, as the two countries are expanding economic and trade cooperation.