Reunification a sacred mission, says Jiang
Ex-president Jiang Zemin yesterday told PLA deputies to the NPC that they should work hard for the 'sacred mission' of reunification and speed up the modernisation of the army, Xinhua reported. Mr Jiang, who still heads the Central Military Commission, told the top brass that they must maintain a sense of urgency and sharpen their understanding of 'rapidly changing international politics'. Staff Reporter
Early alarm system urged for natural disasters
The mainland urgently needs an 'emergency system' to handle natural disasters, State Seismological Administration director Song Ruixiang says. Mr Song, a CPPCC delegate, told China News Service that because the country frequently fell victim to disasters such as flooding, an early alarm system was required. He said his administration had started setting up a five-level early warning system for earthquakes. Staff Reporter
Former oil president to lead Hainan power surge
Hainan party boss Wang Xiaofeng has confirmed his province will boost exploitation of offshore natural gas, with the appointment of Wei Liucheng, former president of the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), as governor. '[Mr Wei's appointment] will be very good for developing the industry,' Mr Wang said. Staff Reporter