Ocean expedition heads into Arctic for studies

The Chinese icebreaker Xuelong will set out for northern seas on Friday to continue its research of the Arctic Ocean's environment, ocean circulation patterns and natural resources.

Youth delegates pledge to fight terror, separatism

Youth delegations from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries and observers pledged on Thursday to further strengthen international cooperation and prevent participation by young people in terrorist, extremist or separatist organizations. The pledge extends to cyberspace and also involves stopping the spread of destructive ideas among youths in various countries.

Tougher standards aim to improve food safety

China will accelerate the creation of agricultural standards to improve safety and quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Thursday.

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Company probed over rabies shots

China's top health authority issued a statement on Wednesday in response to a rabies vaccine scandal involving a company that fabricated production records. It urged people to seek rabies vaccines manufactured by other companies.

Former official gets 15 years for bribery

Yu Haiyan, former vice-governor of Gansu province, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 6 million yuan ($893,000) for bribery in No 1 Intermediate People's Court of Chongqing Municipality on Wednesday.

Chemical firm ignored law before blast

The Ministry of Emergency Management called for penalties for those responsible for an explosion at a chemical company in Sichuan province that killed 19 people and injured 12 on July 12.

Typhoon Son-Tinh crashes into Hainan

Typhoon Son-Tinh, the ninth of the year, made landfall on Hainan Island early on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain and high winds, according to the Hainan meteorological observatory.

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Robots recruited to help kindergarten teachers nationwide

XIAMEN - "Good morning everyone! I am Keeko. Nice to meet you!" In the classroom, a robot introduces itself before asking a question: "Why are there four differently colored garbage bins in our kindergarten?"

Wrongfully jailed for 19 years, man seeks payment

A resident who had his name cleared after serving 19 years in prison, applied to a court in Jiangxi province for 41.4 million yuan ($6.1 million) in state compensation for his wrongful detention and conviction.

Boat restaurants leaving Yangtze behind as they turn to dry land

CHONGQING - To be or not to be on the water - that was the question that ate at boat restaurant owner Yang Qingfu for years. Eventually, he chose land.