Expelled official wasn't paying his dues

A retired bureau-level official in Shaanxi province was expelled from the Communist Party of China for serious violations of discipline and law - including not paying Party membership dues for years.

Information office head named

Xu Lin, 55, was appointed minister of the State Council Information Office, replacing Jiang Jianguo, according to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday.

Study: Smoking kills, but quitting can make you fat

Quitting smoking may cause you to gain weight and initially lead to a higher risk of diabetes, even though it will reduce the chances of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to a new study.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Political advisers wrestle with pollution

China's leading national political advisers offered suggestions for the country's pollution-control work as they gathered in Beijing on Monday for a three-day meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Consumer advocates concerned over salmon labeling

Ten days after China's fish association introduced new standards that allow rainbow trout to be labeled as salmon - sparking nationwide criticism - the Shanghai Consumer Council held an open debate on Tuesday in which industry leaders and businesses were urged to respect consumers' right to know "about the products they consume".

Town's move provides new opportunities

The relocation of a poor, remote township in a mountainous area of Guizhou province is expected to be finished by the end of this year and help locals get out of poverty and enjoy better public services.

China recognizes 15 in prestigious book awards

The Special Book Award of China, the top publishing award from the Chinese government, was given to 15 foreign translators, publishers, writers and Sinologists in Beijing on Tuesday to honor their contributions in bridging cultures and fostering understanding.

New highway section in Beijing launched; region to see benefits

A 38-kilometer section of highway that connects Beijing's southern Daxing district with eastern Tongzhou district opened to vehicles on Monday at noon, bringing the larger 940-km project into full operation.

Govt shifts more toward use of social platforms

Government departments in China are providing an increasing number of public services through mobile devices, especially with WeChat and other social media, a report on the country's cyberspace development said on Monday.

Death penalty possible in fatal arson case

A man is facing the death penalty after admitting to starting a fire that killed 18 people in a karaoke bar in Guangdong province in April.

Investigators look for swine fever links

China is investigating the origins of three recent African swine flu outbreaks to determinate whether they are linked, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Monday.