Quake prediction project opens arms to world talent

China has officially launched an earthquake prediction project in Southwest China that will be open to scientists from around the world, a senior China Earthquake Administration official said.

The design for the project, which could lead to breakthroughs in temblor predictions, was approved by the administration and published in November.

A budget of 30 million yuan ($4.47 million) for purchasing sensor equipment and another 18 million yuan for related work this year have been approved by the Ministry of Finance, said Wang Manda, deputy director-general of international cooperation at the administration.