Briefly

LIAONING

3 dead, 6 injured in gas pipeline explosion

Three people were killed and six others injured in a natural gas pipeline explosion on Monday in Dalian, a port city in Liaoning province, local authorities said. The explosion occurred around 5:50 am near a residential community in Jinzhou district of Dalian. The injured, five of whom suffered minor injuries from shattered window glass, have been sent to hospital. A dozen vehicles caught fire after the explosion. A nearby auto repair shop then ignited, which caused another explosion and three deaths. The fire has been put out with an initial investigation finding that the explosion was caused by a leak in a natural gas pipeline.

BEIJING

Former vice-minister expelled from Party

Li Jinzao, a former vice-minister of culture and tourism accused of taking bribes, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office for serious political disciplinary violations, the country's top anti-graft watchdogs said on Monday. Following an investigation by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, Li was found to have used his post to benefit his relatives and frequently attended banquets that might have affected the impartial execution of official duties. Li, 63, once served in senior posts in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and the Ministry of Commerce.

CCTV documentary shows Xinjiang history

A documentary series on the history of the Xinjiang region debuted on China Central Television on Monday. Based on archaeological findings, the eight-episode documentary will trace the history of the region from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) to the present day. Four dimensions including religious evolution and cultural integration in the history of what is today the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will be showcased, according to China Media Group, the documentary's co-producer.

China Daily - Xinhua