Briefs, December 23, 2012

An anthology of 100 bamboo-themed Chinese poems has been published that features a foreword and a poem by former president Jiang Zemin. The Charm of Bamboo was launched yesterday at the Great Hall of the People by State Councillor Liu Yandong and Liu Qibao, head of the Communist Party's Publicity Department. In the preface, Jiang says China's long history with bamboo led to the development of a unique culture. "Poets of different generations have sung in praise of the plant for its great contribution [to people's lives], strong vitality and unyielding integrity," it reads. Jiang said bamboo poems embody the nation's spirit of unswerving self-improvement. The publication, in Chinese and English, is part of events to mark the 15th year of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan NGO. Xinhua

Two people were killed and 20 others injured when fire engulfed a commercial building in Shaanxi, local authorities said. By 9pm, two bodies had been retrieved by firefighters but had yet to be identified, the Yanan municipal government said. The fire broke out in the 14-storey World Trade Building in central Yanan at about 4.30am. Three of the 20 injured were staff of a hotel located on the upper floors of the building, while the rest were guests, said Liu Guangzhong, deputy head of the hospital. The ages of the injured ranged from seven to 51. Twelve of them suffered burns, while the other eight had minor carbon-monoxide poisoning, Liu said. About 50 people staying at the hotel were evacuated. One of the security guards who helped in the evacuation remains missing, said Jia Xueqi, an officer with the city's fire department. Xinhua