New pronunciation list sparks confusion, criticism

Following online criticism of suggestions that the pronunciation of some Chinese characters should be changed, education authorities noted that any changes have yet to be approved.

Nation moves to create more skilled workers

China is moving to reform its vocational education landscape to help ease a shortage of skilled workers and upgrade its manufacturing sector, according to a reform plan released recently by the State Council.

In Shanghai, efforts to sort garbage get helping hand

Shanghai's Hongkou district has established an association focused on trash sorting as the city gears up to enforce its first regulation on domestic waste management.

Hebei demolishes illegal villas on mountainside

The government of Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, is tearing down illegal buildings on a mountain slope, after media reports disclosed problems with an unapproved villa project.

Desert sunshine provides clean power

A vast barren desert in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with its abundant sunshine, has become a base for photovoltaic power generation.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Experts: Don't worry about labor shortage

China's shrinking working-age population should not cause alarm, experts said, after figures released recently by the National Bureau of Statistics showed declines in the number of workers over seven consecutive years.

Bay Area scholars call for cooperation

Scientists and educators in Hong Kong and Macao expressed high expectations for cross-boundary cooperation in research, innovation and nurturing talent, as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area entered a new development phase.

What they say

In fact, the younger generation in Hong Kong has made outstanding achievements in the Bay Area. For instance, our drone technology has taken the lead in the world. So, we should do better in social promotion and education, so that more young people understand how they can grasp Bay Area opportunities.

Authorities step up their efforts to knock back film piracy

Legal specialists welcomed China's increasing efforts to fight movie piracy after the issue was highlighted as a priority of the country's top copyright watchdog this year.

Grading will aid choices of nursing homes

Nursing homes in China will have the option of being graded on the quality of their services, under a national standard released on Monday that aims to improve elderly people's access to quality services.

Theme park owner sued over height requirement

The Guangdong Consumer Council filed a public interest lawsuit on Monday against Guangzhou Chimelong Group demanding that it stop using children's height to determine eligibility for entrance ticket discounts at its theme parks.