Talking points

The peak travel period across China associated with next month's Lunar New Year holiday begins today. The peak period runs for six weeks until March 6. Families traditionally criss-cross the country to spend time with each other during the holiday period. The Civil Aviation Administration of China expects to see 35.5 million people take flights during the period, although rail travel remains the favoured option for most.

The war against Islamist militants in northern Mali, including the deployment of African troops, is expected to dominate talks when the African Union summit opens in Ethiopia tomorrow. A scaling-up of African troops is planned to support the weak Malian army - boosted by the recent French military intervention - in the battle against Islamist insurgents. African leaders are set to commit their support for the force, with presidents expected to stay beyond the two-day summit for an international donor conference for Mali.