IN BRIEF (Page 9)

Beijing

3rd national land survey to begin

China will start its third national land survey this year, according to a statement by the State Council on Monday. The survey aims to collect data on the country's land resources, including acreage, distribution and the condition of different types of land. It will focus on the condition and changing status of "permanent basic farmland", arable land on the outskirts of urban areas and land used for farming near traffic routes. Preparation will begin in the fourth quarter, and the survey is scheduled to be completed by 2020.