In Brief
Folk singer made major general
Prominent mainland folk singer Song Zuying, known as former president Jiang Zemin's favourite artist, has been promoted to major general by the navy, mainland media reports. Ms Song, awarded a top merit for her 'professional talent', is an officer with the People's Liberation Army art troupe.
Choi Chi-yuk
Pre-Games cultural crackdown
Beijing will tighten its control on cultural products and activities ahead of the Olympics in August in order to create a 'safe and harmonious environment', Xinhua reports. Vice-Minister of Culture Zhao Weisui said authorities would crack down on pirated publications - especially those with Olympics-related content. The government would also strengthen supervision over entertainment venues and culture activities to ensure that 'no mass incidents' occur during the Games. Staff Reporter
Data relay satellite launched
China has launched its first data relay satellite in preparation for the first spacewalk by a mainland astronaut scheduled for later this year, Xinhua reports. The Tianlian I satellite was launched on a Long March-3C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan late on Friday evening, Xinhua reported.AP
574m mobile phone users
Mainland state media says the country has 574 million mobile phones users, equal to about 44 per cent of its population. Xinhua says the number of mobile phone users at the end of March has grown by 27.3 million since the end of last year, as fixed-line users switched to mobile services because of lower rates. Fixed-line operators lost 4.4 million subscribers in the first quarter, leaving 361 million fixed-line users.AP
Tibet-Nepal rail link plan
China will extend a railway link from Tibet to Nepal's border in five years, Nepali officials say, which will boost trade and tourism. The rail link with China could help Nepal reduce its heavy dependence on giant southern neighbour India for everything from oil to motor parts and medicines. The planned railway will link the Tibetan capital of Lhasa with Khasa, a town near the Nepal border. Reuters
North Korean envoy arrives
North Korea's foreign minister has arrived in Beijing for an official visit, mainland state media said, amid US claims the reclusive regime helped Syria build a nuclear reactor that was destroyed by an Israeli air attack. Pak Ui-chun will meet top officials, including his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, , during a four-day stay, Xinhua said. The report gave no reason for Mr Pak's visit, which comes amid stalled efforts to get Pyongyang to honour a pact to give up nuclear activity. AFP
