Briefly

China to launch 5th ecological survey

China is set to kick off a two-year ecological condition survey in 2024, the fifth since 2000. The project, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to provide critical support for ecological protection red lines, key functional zone strategies and the strategic layout of major ecological conservation and restoration projects. The survey will be conducted on three scales — national, regional and provincial — to monitor the quality and functionality of the country's ecosystem. Key regions of interest include the Yellow River Basin, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta, all of which are significant strategic areas for national development.

1 dead, 3 injured in residential explosion

One person was confirmed dead and three were injured in an explosion in a residential community in the Xiangfang district of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Thursday. The blast, which occurred at around 7 am, severely damaged a balcony on the fourth floor of the building, and several nearby balconies showed varying degrees of damage, the report said. A preliminary investigation found that the explosion may have been caused by residents who apparently left a gas cylinder open. That led to a flash explosion when they lit a gas appliance the next morning. Emergency management and housing departments were at the site to handle the aftermath.

Ex vice-governor admits to bribery

Li Zaiyong, a former senior political adviser from Guizhou province, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes worth more than 400 million yuan ($59.6 million) and abusing his power in a court in Chongqing on Thursday. According to Chongqing prosecutors, from 1998 to 2023, Li took advantage of his various posts, including as mayor of Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province, and as vice-governor of Guizhou, to seek profits for others in matters such as project contracting, land expropriation and project approval, and then accepted bribes of over 432 million yuan in return. A native of Guizhou, Li, 61, joined the Communist Party of China in 1984. In March 2023, he was placed under investigation on suspicion of severely violating Party disciplines and the law. About seven months later, he was expelled from the Party and removed from public office. In February this year, he was prosecuted for suspected bribery and abuse of power by Chongqing prosecutors. The Fifth Intermediate People's Court in Chongqing said that the ruling will be announced at a later date.

Xinhua - China Daily