Briefs, January 31, 2013

China navy exercises go on amid islands spat

China said yesterday its navy would proceed with a deep-water training exercise amid a continuing spat with Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea that has sparked regular confrontations among patrol boats from each side. The Defence Ministry said on its website that the previously scheduled exercise would take place in the coming days in the Pacific, beyond the location of the disputed islands. AP

5.1 earthquake hits Zadoi county

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit Zadoi county, Yushu prefecture in Qinghai late yesterday afternoon. There are no reports of casualties. Xinhua

NPC deputy chair to stop lavish meals

The National People's Congress vice-chairman Li Jianguo has recently pledged to stick to party general secretary Xi Jinping's recent instruction and stop using public funds for extravagant meals during the upcoming annual legislative session due to be held in early March, the online version of Xinhua reports yesterday. The news came amid speculation that Li might have got into trouble for allegedly promoting his nephew to a prominent position when he was in charge of Shandong province years ago. Choi Chi-yuk

Migrating family blocks officials' promotion

Zhen Ruizhao , the top official overseeing staffing positions in Dongguan , Guangdong province, said on Monday that no official with both their spouses and offsprings having migrated to foreign countries would be elevated as the head or core member of any department with either the party or the government, reports the New Express. Choi Chi-yuk