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Search for MH370 to enter new phase

The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is commencing a new phase and will transit to an intensified undersea search over the coming weeks, the Joint Agency Coordination Center said on April 30.

The submarine drone Bluefin-21, which has completed a total of 16 search missions scouring the 314-square-kilometer area around the detections made by the Towed Pinger Locator, will continue to search adjacent areas, the Perth-based search coordination center said.

South Africa becomesthe flavor of the year

The Year of South Africa in China, a program to showcase South Africa's culture, has opened in Beijing.

More than 50 events relating to South Africa including trade seminars, art programs and educational projects will be held in China during the year.

President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma exchanged congratulatory messages on the program.

During Xi's state visit to South Africa last year, the two leaders agreed to designate 2014 as the Year of South Africa in China and 2015 as the Year of China in South Africa.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao said the event would enrich the two country's partnership.

The Year of South Africa in China will demonstrate a confident and diversified South Africa to Chinese people and the friendship between the two countries, he said.

Chinese aircraftin Nepalese fleet

Nepal's long wait to take delivery of its first Chinese-made aircraft has ended with the landing of a 58-seater Modern Ark 60 at the country's international airport.

The aircraft took off from Kunming and arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on April 27.

It will fly in the colors of the country's national carrier, Nepal Airlines.

Harsher air pollutionpenalties sought

Lawmakers are seeking harsher punishment for air polluters in China, amid increasing demand from the public for cleaner air.

Lawmakers should speed up efforts to expand the punishment of those who illegally discharge air pollutants, said Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on April 26.

Shen made the remarks during a seminar on the revision of the law on air pollution prevention and control. Lawmakers from provincial people's congresses attended the seminar, organized by the Environment and Resources Protection Committee of the NPC.

Foreign expertshonored for education

Ten foreign workers were named on April 27 as Foreign Experts with Exceptional Contributions to China's education.

One of those, Pedro Nueno, president of China Europe International Business School, said he was glad that China was so welcoming to people who come to implement their ideas and dreams.

China Daily-Xinhua

(China Daily Africa Weekly 05/02/2014 page2)