Diversity of local food plants falls

The number of agricultural species endemic to certain localities in China - grains and other plants - has been declining rapidly, and urgent rescue efforts are needed, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Wednesday.

Ship collision report faults both vessels; proximate cause disputed

The Ministry of Transport released the results of a joint investigation on Wednesday dealing with the sinking of an oil tanker in the East China Sea in January.

Hainan starts vehicle license plate lottery

Hainan province launched a policy on Wednesday to restrict car purchases, with a view toward easing traffic congestion and promoting the use of new energy vehicles.

Date announced for opening of new Beijing airport

Beijing's new international airport will officially begin operations on Oct 1, 2019, authorities said on Wednesday.

Payment goes up for wrongful convictions

China has increased the compensation standard for people who were wrongfully convicted and sent to prison.

Courts told to correct govt errors on property

Chinese courts were ordered on Tuesday to continue to fight violations by government departments in land seizures and housing demolitions, as the nation has seen a rise in related disputes in the past three years.

'Red classics' focus of copyright directive

Courts around China are being directed by the country's top court not to suspend "red classic" performances - plays, ballets and other artistic productions that showcase revolutionary culture and heroes - when disputes are pending over copyright fees, because letting the performances proceed is in the public interest.

Hallucinogenic peyote plants stopped at border

Customs officials in Guangdong province have issued a warning about peyote plants and their potential hallucinogenic effects after a series of seizures at the border.

Climbers from Peking University reach summit of Qomolangma

A team of mountaineers from Peking University reached the top of the world's highest mountain on Tuesday in celebration of the university's 120th anniversary.

Gap apologizes for T-shirt map errors

US clothing retailer Gap apologized on Monday for omitting Taiwan and other parts of China from a T-shirt featuring a map of the country and promised to take steps to prevent such incidents.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Why did airplane's window break?

An investigative group set up by the Civil Aviation Administration of China has arrived in Chengdu, Sichuan province, to look into why the front windshield of an Airbus A319 blew out on Monday morning, Tang Weibin, head of the administration's safety office, said on Tuesday.