Briefs, February 26, 2013

Focus shifts to future at last 11th NPC meeting

The last meeting of the 11th National People's Congress began yesterday in Beijing. The meeting will review the qualifications of the 2,987 deputies of the 12th NPC who will begin their five-year tenure in two weeks, Xinhua reported. The three-day meeting will also discuss the agenda and other preparations for the 12th NPC, beginning on March 5. Keith Zhai

Consensus with Russia on expanding oil trade

Vice-premier Wang Qishan said an important consensus had been reached with Russia on boosting oil trade, Xinhua reported. Wang made the remarks after talks with his Russian counterpart, Arkady Dvorkovich, at the Great Hall of the People. "The two sides have reached an important consensus to expand the trade of oil, marking major progress for China-Russia energy co-operation," Wang said, urging agencies to hasten negotiations. Wang said the two governments endorsed their respective enterprises' negotiations on gas supplies via an east pipeline, with Russia set to deliver 38 billion cubic metres each year. The two sides will continue feasibility research on liquefied natural gas co-operation, Xinhua said. Staff Reporter

Pollution hits water supply for 60,000

Tap water for 60,000 people was cut off due to the pollution of a source in Jiangxi province. An oily substance was reported floating near a water intake on the Liaohe River. An initial investigation blamed an oil pipeline leak upstream. No water pollution had been reported in areas near Yongxiu county. Xinhua