Drama's cleavage cuts 'due to complaints'
The controversial mainland television drama, The Empress of China, which stars famed actress Fan Bingbing in its title role, was halted for re-editing after the public complained that its content was unsuitable for minors, Chinanews.com reported. Tian Jin, deputy director of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, said the audience had raised issues about the content of the show, which stars historical female characters in cleavage-revealing period costumes. Tian said his agency was responsible for supervising the screening of all television programmes and that those who flouted its censorship rules would be punished. Xinhua reported last month that the drama, also known as the Saga of Wu Zetian, was pulled for "technical reasons". Angela Meng
China 'proposes navy base in Namibian port'
China has proposed building a navy base in the Namibian port of Walvis Bay and a delegation will visit the African country to discuss the project, Namibian media reported. It cited a December 22 letter between Namibia's ambassador to China, Ringo Abed, and its foreign ministry, saying that Abed had met China's defence ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng. Geng in November denied reports that China was planning a number of naval bases in Asia and Africa. The Chinese defence ministry said on Tuesday that the Namibian report was groundless. Bloomberg