Nation to further boost digital economy

China is committed to developing a digital economy with openness and shared benefits and the rapid development of the country's internet is visible proof of its success, said Ren Xianliang, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China.

Guangzhou rental housing scheme gets fresh impetus

State-owned Yuexiu Group and Pearl River Enterprise Group unveiled their subsidiaries for the rental housing business in Guangzhou on Thursday, with local branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank pledging at least 1 trillion yuan ($151 billion) in financial support during the coming five years.

IN BRIEF (Page 9)

Chinese heroes get Belgium statue

On the night of Nov 15, one hundred years ago, German troops violently bombed Poperinge, a city not far away from the Great War front-line. Thirteen Chinese, among 20,000 laborers working in Belgium, were killed in the attack.

Homeless man realizes dream of Cambridge

A homeless man who has spent most of his life on the streets has achieved his dream of becoming an English literature student at Cambridge University.

Nepal's musicians retune to tradition with modern note

KATHMANDU - Nepal's musical heritage is enjoying a revival as young musicians fuse the sounds of traditional instruments once at risk of disappearing with lyrics that examine the modern challenges facing the country.

French law in dock over age of consent

PARIS - In most developed countries, the age of sexual consent is a fairly straightforward matter.

Theme park expo offers preview of what's new for 2018

ORLANDO, Florida - This year's theme park expo in the United States features the latest products, technology and trends in rides and the next big food items.

Overseas students turning away from US universities

WASHINGTON - Universities are becoming less attractive to overseas students, according to a report released on Monday, adding to the financial woes of many less prestigious schools.

First attempt made to alter genes in body

OAKLAND, California - Scientists have for the first time tried editing a gene inside the body in an attempt to permanently change a person's DNA to try to cure a disease.

Lucky money comes up trumps with Year of the Dog release

Leonard Olijar, director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing, seemed pretty happy on Tuesday morning as he announced the release of the bureau's Year of the Dog 2018 product to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar Year of the Dog.

Vultures fight for their survival after drug devastates numbers

CHANGA MANGA, Pakistan - Once a common sight in the skies of Pakistan, today the white-backed vulture is facing extinction - its population devastated by the use of industrial drugs to breed the cattle whose carcasses they traditionally feed on.