Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Academics explain objections to by-elections plan
A group of academics who object to a government proposal to eliminate by-elections in the event of midterm Legislative Council vacancies will explain their position at a press conference today. About 130 academics jointly signed a petition against filling such vacancies with a form of automatic appointment. A consultation period on the issue ends on Saturday.
For a day, cars not welcome in 140 mainland cities
The mainland will hold its fifth annual 'No Car Day' today in over 140 cities with a population above 500,000. The campaign is part of a world car-free day campaign aiming to reduce exhaust emissions and ease traffic congestion by limiting the number of private vehicles on the roads. People are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport on the day. China now has 100 million cars, the government said last week.
State councillor heads for France and Britain
State Councillor Dai Bingguo will set off to France and Britain today for a six-day trip. Dai will hold bilateral talks with the two countries and attend a China-UK strategic dialogue in Britain. China has been calling for the recognition of its market economy status, but stresses it is not a condition attached to China's support to EU nations