Tangled ship freed from nets after storm

A stranded ship carrying 269 passengers and 15 crew was rescued early on Thursday in Yantai, Shandong province, according to a statement by the Yantai Maritime Safety Administration.

FLYING SQUAD OF GREEN VIGILANTES COMBAT BIRD POACHERS

For much of the past year, Liu Yidan has patrolled the back roads of China in a black jeep, hunting for bird poachers..

Experts call for concerted efforts to save species

Protecting wild birds will require the consolidated efforts of wildlife authorities, bird enthusiasts and the public, plus a comprehensive review of the environmental situation inside and outside nature reserves, wildlife experts said.

Malware is a big mobile challenge

Cybersecurity remains a big challenge for China, especially for mobile devices, even though the country has made progress in fighting online threats over the past few years, a network security official said.

Buddhists advised to strengthen ethics

The Buddhist Association of China called for stronger Buddhist ethics and resistance to the commercialization of Buddhism, at the conclusion of its council meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.

In Gansu, tourism rises as trash disappears

Ongoing environmental regulation in the Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Gansu province has begun to take effect and is spurring tourism in the region.

Vaccine scandal probes continue, punishments promised

Investigations into substandard vaccines at Changchun Changsheng Bio-tech Co are continuing after the State Council vowed severe punishment would be given to those responsible for the recent scandal.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Lunar probe unveiled as it readies for expedition

Chinese scientists unveiled their latest lunar probe, the Chang'e 4, on Wednesday, saying it will be launched in December on a mission to land on the far side of the moon.

Bay Area development proceeds apace

GUANGZHOU - For Li Zhiping, a bus driver commuting between Guangdong province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Humen Bridge is his most frequent route.

Despite policies, fewer people choosing marriage, children

Despite policies to encourage marriage and childbearing, fewer Chinese are tying the knot, and those who do are doing so at a later age, government data show.

Counselors on the rise as couples decide whether to stay or part

As more couples and individuals seek professional help with marriage problems - and with counseling even required in some regions before a couple can divorce - marriage counselors have gained stature in China.