A senior Chinese official on Friday stressed the importance of moral integrity in selecting officials.
Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the country's officials should possess moral integrity and professional competence, with virtuous morality being the foremost quality.
They should have unswerving ideals and be loyal to the Party, diligently serve the people and be free of corruption, he told the opening ceremony at Yan'an Cadres College.
Official training institutes should play their due role in nurturing officials' political integrity, urged Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Source: Xinhua
Saturday, September 6, 2008
China's cabinet urges stricter safety control at chemical plants after blast
China's cabinet on Friday urged the country's chemical plants to tighten work safety control after a fatal blast in the south.
Officials at all levels must "learn deep lessons" from the accident and map out development plans for local chemical industry with specific safety and environmental standards, said an urgent circular issued by the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council, or cabinet.
Disqualified technicians or institutions must be banned from providing designs for technical upgrading at chemical factories, said the circular.
Chemical plants were told to step up safety supervision at dangerous work sites such as storage areas.
Those enterprises failing to find out major hidden safety hazards in time would be punished, starting from next year, it said.
An explosion at a chemical plant killed 20 and injured 60 in Yizhou City of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26.
About 11,500 residents in the neighborhood were evacuated. The cause of the explosion hasn't been determined.
The State Administration of Work Safety said on Friday it would conduct a full-scale safety overhaul on all chemical plants in three months beginning from Sept. 10.
Wang Jun, head of the administration, said China still faced a grim situation in terms of work safety though progress had been made.
The country reported 10 major accidents in a row from Aug. 1 to Sept. 4, according to Wang.
"There remain loopholes in our work," he said. "The foundation of work safety is not solid and hidden risks haven't been eradicated."
In the first eight months, deaths in accidents decreased 14 percent from a year ago in China, while coal mine deaths dropped 24.1 percent, the administration figures show.
Source: Xinhua
Officials at all levels must "learn deep lessons" from the accident and map out development plans for local chemical industry with specific safety and environmental standards, said an urgent circular issued by the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council, or cabinet.
Disqualified technicians or institutions must be banned from providing designs for technical upgrading at chemical factories, said the circular.
Chemical plants were told to step up safety supervision at dangerous work sites such as storage areas.
Those enterprises failing to find out major hidden safety hazards in time would be punished, starting from next year, it said.
An explosion at a chemical plant killed 20 and injured 60 in Yizhou City of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26.
About 11,500 residents in the neighborhood were evacuated. The cause of the explosion hasn't been determined.
The State Administration of Work Safety said on Friday it would conduct a full-scale safety overhaul on all chemical plants in three months beginning from Sept. 10.
Wang Jun, head of the administration, said China still faced a grim situation in terms of work safety though progress had been made.
The country reported 10 major accidents in a row from Aug. 1 to Sept. 4, according to Wang.
"There remain loopholes in our work," he said. "The foundation of work safety is not solid and hidden risks haven't been eradicated."
In the first eight months, deaths in accidents decreased 14 percent from a year ago in China, while coal mine deaths dropped 24.1 percent, the administration figures show.
Source: Xinhua
S. Korean PM: Development of S. Korea-China ties unprecedented
"South Korea and China have witnessed an unprecedented expansion of bilateral ties over the years since they forged diplomatic relations," South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-so said in Seoul Friday.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the prime minister, who will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics Saturday, spoke highly of the ever-increasing cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and South Korea.
"The cooperation between the two nations has been rapidly expanding in politics, culture, economy and social aspects in a very short period of time as the two sides only forged diplomatic ties 16 years ago," said the prime minister.
Currently, more than 4 million South Koreans visit China each year and the number of South Koreans who are engaged in Chinese language learning is also growing swiftly, Han pointed out.
"All these facts demonstrate our high attention and friendship toward the Chinese people," he said.
Through such people-to-people communications, the two countries will deepen mutual understanding in culture, customs, economy, society and politics, he added.
The prime minister also highlighted the significance of high-level dialogue between South Korea and China, adding the two sides inked a series of agreements on all-round cooperation in late August when Chinese President Hu Jintao visited South Korea.
"Frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides will not only deepen their friendship and mutual trust but will also facilitate their people-to-people exchanges," said the prime minister.
"I believe that the exchanges in high-level visits between South Korea and China will lay a solid foundation for the development of their bilateral relations," he added.
The prime minister noted that the leaders of South Korea and China agreed in May to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic cooperative partnership.
"It was a historic landmark in the South Korea-China relations," said Han, who planned to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing.
During their meetings, Han said that he and the Chinese leaders will try to seek approaches to expand their cooperation in various aspects.
Source:Xinhua
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the prime minister, who will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics Saturday, spoke highly of the ever-increasing cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and South Korea.
"The cooperation between the two nations has been rapidly expanding in politics, culture, economy and social aspects in a very short period of time as the two sides only forged diplomatic ties 16 years ago," said the prime minister.
Currently, more than 4 million South Koreans visit China each year and the number of South Koreans who are engaged in Chinese language learning is also growing swiftly, Han pointed out.
"All these facts demonstrate our high attention and friendship toward the Chinese people," he said.
Through such people-to-people communications, the two countries will deepen mutual understanding in culture, customs, economy, society and politics, he added.
The prime minister also highlighted the significance of high-level dialogue between South Korea and China, adding the two sides inked a series of agreements on all-round cooperation in late August when Chinese President Hu Jintao visited South Korea.
"Frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides will not only deepen their friendship and mutual trust but will also facilitate their people-to-people exchanges," said the prime minister.
"I believe that the exchanges in high-level visits between South Korea and China will lay a solid foundation for the development of their bilateral relations," he added.
The prime minister noted that the leaders of South Korea and China agreed in May to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic cooperative partnership.
"It was a historic landmark in the South Korea-China relations," said Han, who planned to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing.
During their meetings, Han said that he and the Chinese leaders will try to seek approaches to expand their cooperation in various aspects.
Source:Xinhua
China, Cuba urged to exchange more students
Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong on Friday pledged for closer cooperation with Cuba on education, especially the exchange of students and the opening of a Confucius Institute.
Liu made the remarks when meeting with a Cuban educational delegation led by Lissette Diaz Castro, a representative of the Council of State of Cuba.
Hailing the sound development of China-Cuba ties, Liu expressed the appreciation for the efforts Cuban government has taken to train Chinese students.
She suggested the two sides intensify cooperation on the exchange of students and the opening of the Confucius Institute in Havana University, so to lift the bilateral cooperation to a new level.
Liu also conveyed her greetings to Fidel Castro, former Cuban President, and expressed sympathy condolence to the Cuban government and people affected by Hurricane Gustav on behalf of Chinese government.
Castro briefed Liu Chinese students' living and studying situation in Cuba. She also spoke highly of the successful Beijing Olympic Games and thanked the Chinese side for inviting her to attend the opening ceremony of Paralympics.
Source:Xinhua
Liu made the remarks when meeting with a Cuban educational delegation led by Lissette Diaz Castro, a representative of the Council of State of Cuba.
Hailing the sound development of China-Cuba ties, Liu expressed the appreciation for the efforts Cuban government has taken to train Chinese students.
She suggested the two sides intensify cooperation on the exchange of students and the opening of the Confucius Institute in Havana University, so to lift the bilateral cooperation to a new level.
Liu also conveyed her greetings to Fidel Castro, former Cuban President, and expressed sympathy condolence to the Cuban government and people affected by Hurricane Gustav on behalf of Chinese government.
Castro briefed Liu Chinese students' living and studying situation in Cuba. She also spoke highly of the successful Beijing Olympic Games and thanked the Chinese side for inviting her to attend the opening ceremony of Paralympics.
Source:Xinhua
Japanese PM pledges continued efforts for ties with China
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said on Friday that he would like to make continued efforts in the future to further develop the relations between Japan and China.
The outgoing prime minister made the remarks during meeting with a Chinese delegation, which is led by Song Jian, president of the Sino-Japanese Friendship Association, at his official residence in the evening.
During the meeting, Fukuda recalled his meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao since taking office a year ago and their consensus on full development of the Japan-China strategic and reciprocal relations.
Fukuda said the bilateral ties significantly improved during his term.
Song highly lauded Fukuda's important contribution in the process of further deepening the bilateral strategic and reciprocal relations.
China would like to work together with the Japanese side to expand friendly communications and properly deal with sensitive issues for the goals of peaceful coexistence, common development and friendship from generation to generation, Song said.
The delegation arrived in Japan Thursday for a six-day visit at the invitation of one of the Japan-China friendship organizations. They are scheduled to attend on Monday a reception celebrating the30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China.
Source:Xinhua
The outgoing prime minister made the remarks during meeting with a Chinese delegation, which is led by Song Jian, president of the Sino-Japanese Friendship Association, at his official residence in the evening.
During the meeting, Fukuda recalled his meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao since taking office a year ago and their consensus on full development of the Japan-China strategic and reciprocal relations.
Fukuda said the bilateral ties significantly improved during his term.
Song highly lauded Fukuda's important contribution in the process of further deepening the bilateral strategic and reciprocal relations.
China would like to work together with the Japanese side to expand friendly communications and properly deal with sensitive issues for the goals of peaceful coexistence, common development and friendship from generation to generation, Song said.
The delegation arrived in Japan Thursday for a six-day visit at the invitation of one of the Japan-China friendship organizations. They are scheduled to attend on Monday a reception celebrating the30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China.
Source:Xinhua
U.S. envoy calls for verification of DPRK's nuclear declaration
Top U.S. nuclear talks negotiator Christopher Hill on Friday called for verification of the nuclear declaration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea .
"We all agree on what the DPRK needs to do," Hill, assistant Secretary of State, told reporters after meeting with his counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japan in Beijing on Friday night "to review the situation where we are".
"We need a means to verify the declaration," Hill said, noting that "what we need to do is to verify their nuclear declaration, and we have put together a protocol based on international standards."
Part of the nuclear declaration of the DPRK "is to have verification protocol". "We are prepared to complete our obligations as they complete theirs, but a declaration without a protocol is only half of the obligation," Hill noted.
Hill is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei Saturday morning.
The DPRK handed over the long-awaited nuclear declaration list in late June and then blew up a cooling tower in its main nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. On Aug. 26, the DPRK said it had stopped disabling its nuclear facilities and considered restoring the Yongbyon nuclear reactor, attributing its move to the U.S. failure to remove it from a terrorism blacklist.
Source:Xinhua
"We all agree on what the DPRK needs to do," Hill, assistant Secretary of State, told reporters after meeting with his counterparts from the Republic of Korea and Japan in Beijing on Friday night "to review the situation where we are".
"We need a means to verify the declaration," Hill said, noting that "what we need to do is to verify their nuclear declaration, and we have put together a protocol based on international standards."
Part of the nuclear declaration of the DPRK "is to have verification protocol". "We are prepared to complete our obligations as they complete theirs, but a declaration without a protocol is only half of the obligation," Hill noted.
Hill is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei Saturday morning.
The DPRK handed over the long-awaited nuclear declaration list in late June and then blew up a cooling tower in its main nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. On Aug. 26, the DPRK said it had stopped disabling its nuclear facilities and considered restoring the Yongbyon nuclear reactor, attributing its move to the U.S. failure to remove it from a terrorism blacklist.
Source:Xinhua
Iranian president leaves for Beijing Paralympics
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad left here Friday night for China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games due to be held on Sept. 6-17.
Ahmadinejad was accompanied by Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, Vice President Esfandiar Rahim Mashaii, Physical Education Organization head Mohammad Aliabadi and Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi, a senior advisor to the president.
"Paralymipic Games is one of the most important international sport events, which should be considered as important as the Summer Olympic Games," Ahmadinejad told reporters at Tehran's Mehrabad international airport.
Ahmadinejad hoped to meet and confer with Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing, saying "we will discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest."
Chinese Ambassador Xie Xiaoyan saw Ahmadinejad off at the airport.
Iranian female athletes, with physical disabilities will for the first time participate in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, who will compete in the fields of track and fields, shooting and table tennis, according to the official IRNA news agency on Sunday.
Source:Xinhua
Ahmadinejad was accompanied by Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, Vice President Esfandiar Rahim Mashaii, Physical Education Organization head Mohammad Aliabadi and Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi, a senior advisor to the president.
"Paralymipic Games is one of the most important international sport events, which should be considered as important as the Summer Olympic Games," Ahmadinejad told reporters at Tehran's Mehrabad international airport.
Ahmadinejad hoped to meet and confer with Chinese leaders during his stay in Beijing, saying "we will discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest."
Chinese Ambassador Xie Xiaoyan saw Ahmadinejad off at the airport.
Iranian female athletes, with physical disabilities will for the first time participate in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, who will compete in the fields of track and fields, shooting and table tennis, according to the official IRNA news agency on Sunday.
Source:Xinhua
China to aid Cuba for damages by Hurricane "Gustav"
The Chinese government will donate 300,000 U.S dollars to Cuba for damages caused by Hurricane "Gustav", the Cuban radio reported on Friday.
The Cuban radio also said that the Chinese Red Cross Society will also donate 50,000 dollars to the Cuban Red Cross, to help Cuba to repair damages caused by the hurricane.
On Aug. 30, "Gustav" swept western Cuba, destroying some 100,000 houses and also affecting electricity services, communications facilities and crops.
Source:Xinhua
The Cuban radio also said that the Chinese Red Cross Society will also donate 50,000 dollars to the Cuban Red Cross, to help Cuba to repair damages caused by the hurricane.
On Aug. 30, "Gustav" swept western Cuba, destroying some 100,000 houses and also affecting electricity services, communications facilities and crops.
Source:Xinhua
Iranian president arrives in Beijing for Paralympics
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad arrived in Beijing on Saturday for the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
He will attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics scheduled on Saturday evening and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Source:Xinhua
He will attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics scheduled on Saturday evening and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Source:Xinhua
Chinese president and wife greet foreign dignitaries at welcoming luncheon
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing greeted foreign dignitaries and their spouses at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing on Saturday, ahead of a welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games.
The presidential couple shook hands with the foreign guests one by one, and had pictures taken with them.
All the guests will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics, scheduled for Saturday night in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing.
Source: Xinhua
The presidential couple shook hands with the foreign guests one by one, and had pictures taken with them.
All the guests will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics, scheduled for Saturday night in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing.
Source: Xinhua
ROK PM arrives in Beijing for Paralympics
Han Seung-soo, prime minister of the Republic of Korea arrived here Saturday morning for the upcoming Paralympics.
He will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics Saturday evening and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Source: Xinhua
He will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics Saturday evening and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese president proposes toast at welcoming luncheon of Beijing Paralympics
Chinese President Hu Jintao just started to propose a toast at a welcoming luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing for foreign dignitaries who will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games, scheduled for Saturday night.
Source: Xinhua
Source: Xinhua
Chinese president confident of delivering high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features
Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Saturday that he is confident that Beijing and China will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features.
"We have set the goal of 'two Games with equal splendor' and, guided by the concept of 'transcendence, integration and equality,' made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games," said Hu at a welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games.
"Since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization," Hu said while proposing a toast.
Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability, Hu said.
"Spirit in Motion" is the motto of the Paralympic Movement. By participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life, said the Chinese leader.
The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together, he said.
Source: Xinhua
"We have set the goal of 'two Games with equal splendor' and, guided by the concept of 'transcendence, integration and equality,' made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games," said Hu at a welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games.
"Since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization," Hu said while proposing a toast.
Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability, Hu said.
"Spirit in Motion" is the motto of the Paralympic Movement. By participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life, said the Chinese leader.
The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together, he said.
Source: Xinhua
Full text of Chinese President's toast at welcoming luncheon of Beijing Paralympics
Chinese President Hu Jintao proposes a toast during a welcoming luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Sept. 6, 2008. President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing held a welcoming luncheon here on Saturday for dignitaries and their spouses who will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games, scheduled for Saturday night.
The following is the full text of a toast by Chinese President Hu Jintao at the welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games on Saturday.
Promote the Paralympic Movement and Join Hands to Build a Better World
Toast by Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
At the Welcoming Luncheon of The Beijing Paralympic Games
6 September 2008
Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, Distinguished Members of the Governing Board of the International Paralympic Committee, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
The grand opening of the Beijing Paralympic Games will be held this evening. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend to you a warm welcome and express heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked for the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization. Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability.
"Spirit in Motion" is the motto of the Paralympic Movement. By participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life. The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Care for people with a disability is an important hallmark of a civilized and progressive society. There are 83 million people with a disability in China. The Chinese Government and people have always attached importance to their well-being. We follow the principle of putting people first and advocate a humanitarian spirit. We stand for equality, oppose discrimination, care for the vulnerable and respect human rights. We have adopted a range of policies and measures to encourage public care and support for people with a disability and actively promote their overall well-being, and our achievements have been recognized by all. For their part, people with a disability in China have constantly strived to improve themselves and become stronger. They have made outstanding contributions to economic and social development in China and earned the respect of the whole society. The Beijing Paralympic Games is an opportunity for us to further promote the humanitarian spirit, protect the rights and interests of people with a disability and ensure that they share the benefits of economic and social development as equal members of the society.
The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the development of sports for people with a disability, and China has been an active participant in the Paralympic Movement. Since winning the bid to host the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2001, the Chinese Government and people have, with the strong support of the International Paralympic Committee and the international community, earnestly fulfilled our solemn commitments to the world. We have set the goal of "two Games with equal splendor" and, guided by the concept of "transcendence, integration and equality," made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games. I am confident that, with the support of the IPC and the world at large, we will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. I believe that, the Beijing Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for people with a disability from all over the world to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and will leave a rich legacy to the development of sports for people with a disability. Let's join hands to promote the well-being of people with a disability and make the world a better place!
I now propose a toast,
To the crowning success of the Beijing Paralympic Games,
To the continued growth of the Paralympic Movement,
To greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and
To the health of all the distinguished guests present.
Cheers!
Photo taken on Sept. 6, 2008 shows the welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games, hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing in honor of dignitaries and their spouses, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing greet dignitaries and their spouses at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 6, 2008, ahead of a welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Source: Xinhua
The following is the full text of a toast by Chinese President Hu Jintao at the welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games on Saturday.
Promote the Paralympic Movement and Join Hands to Build a Better World
Toast by Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
At the Welcoming Luncheon of The Beijing Paralympic Games
6 September 2008
Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, Distinguished Members of the Governing Board of the International Paralympic Committee, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
The grand opening of the Beijing Paralympic Games will be held this evening. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to extend to you a warm welcome and express heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked for the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization. Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability.
"Spirit in Motion" is the motto of the Paralympic Movement. By participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life. The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Care for people with a disability is an important hallmark of a civilized and progressive society. There are 83 million people with a disability in China. The Chinese Government and people have always attached importance to their well-being. We follow the principle of putting people first and advocate a humanitarian spirit. We stand for equality, oppose discrimination, care for the vulnerable and respect human rights. We have adopted a range of policies and measures to encourage public care and support for people with a disability and actively promote their overall well-being, and our achievements have been recognized by all. For their part, people with a disability in China have constantly strived to improve themselves and become stronger. They have made outstanding contributions to economic and social development in China and earned the respect of the whole society. The Beijing Paralympic Games is an opportunity for us to further promote the humanitarian spirit, protect the rights and interests of people with a disability and ensure that they share the benefits of economic and social development as equal members of the society.
The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the development of sports for people with a disability, and China has been an active participant in the Paralympic Movement. Since winning the bid to host the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2001, the Chinese Government and people have, with the strong support of the International Paralympic Committee and the international community, earnestly fulfilled our solemn commitments to the world. We have set the goal of "two Games with equal splendor" and, guided by the concept of "transcendence, integration and equality," made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games. I am confident that, with the support of the IPC and the world at large, we will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. I believe that, the Beijing Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for people with a disability from all over the world to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and will leave a rich legacy to the development of sports for people with a disability. Let's join hands to promote the well-being of people with a disability and make the world a better place!
I now propose a toast,
To the crowning success of the Beijing Paralympic Games,
To the continued growth of the Paralympic Movement,
To greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and
To the health of all the distinguished guests present.
Cheers!
Photo taken on Sept. 6, 2008 shows the welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games, hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing in honor of dignitaries and their spouses, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing greet dignitaries and their spouses at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 6, 2008, ahead of a welcoming luncheon of the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese president meets Iranian counterpart
Chinese President Hu Jintao met on Saturday with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games, scheduled for Saturday night.
Hu first extended a warm welcome to Ahmadinejad and thanked Iran for its support to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you and other Iranian leaders for the assistance your government provided for theChinese people affected by the May 12 Sichuan earthquake," Hu said.
The Chinese president reviewed his previous meetings with President Ahmadinejad in 2006 and 2007 in Shanghai and Bishkek, during which the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and other major issues and reached broad consensus.
President Ahmadinejad congratulated Hu on the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, and wished a complete success for the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Iran and China have developed a sound cooperative relationship through exchanges and communication in multiple areas, said the Iranian leader.
Source: Xinhua
Hu first extended a warm welcome to Ahmadinejad and thanked Iran for its support to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you and other Iranian leaders for the assistance your government provided for theChinese people affected by the May 12 Sichuan earthquake," Hu said.
The Chinese president reviewed his previous meetings with President Ahmadinejad in 2006 and 2007 in Shanghai and Bishkek, during which the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and other major issues and reached broad consensus.
President Ahmadinejad congratulated Hu on the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, and wished a complete success for the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Iran and China have developed a sound cooperative relationship through exchanges and communication in multiple areas, said the Iranian leader.
Source: Xinhua
China's top court upholds 5-year jail sentence to man over ATM windfall
China's Supreme People's Court upheld a 5-year jail term meted out by a local court in southern Guangdong Province to a young man who illegally withdrew 175,000 yuan from an ATM.
The SPC's ruling meant the five-year prison term for Xu Ting, who took 175,000 yuan from a faulty ATM in Guangdong in April 2006, has already come into force.
Zhang Xinqiang, Xu's lawyer, received the SPC's ruling document from the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou on Friday.
Xu, a native of Xiangfen County in Shanxi Province, was working as a security guard in April 2006. When drawing cash from an ATM, he realized it only deducted 1 yuan from his account for each 1,000 yuan that he had withdrawn. He mentioned this to a friend surnamed Guo.
Xu subsequently withdrew 175,000 yuan in 171 transactions while Guo took 18,000 yuan. Guo was jailed for a year after turning himself in. Xu eluded capture for a year before being apprehended on July 11, 2007.
The Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou sentenced Xu to life in jail for theft crime in late November. But Xu appealed to the Guangdong High Court, which then ordered a retrial.
In late March, the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou convicted Xu of theft crime, but the life imprisonment sentence was commuted to five years. It also fined Xu 20,000 yuan and demanded that he return his windfall to the bank.
Xu then appealed again but was rejected in May. The sentence needs the approval from the top court.
Source: Xinhua
The SPC's ruling meant the five-year prison term for Xu Ting, who took 175,000 yuan from a faulty ATM in Guangdong in April 2006, has already come into force.
Zhang Xinqiang, Xu's lawyer, received the SPC's ruling document from the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou on Friday.
Xu, a native of Xiangfen County in Shanxi Province, was working as a security guard in April 2006. When drawing cash from an ATM, he realized it only deducted 1 yuan from his account for each 1,000 yuan that he had withdrawn. He mentioned this to a friend surnamed Guo.
Xu subsequently withdrew 175,000 yuan in 171 transactions while Guo took 18,000 yuan. Guo was jailed for a year after turning himself in. Xu eluded capture for a year before being apprehended on July 11, 2007.
The Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou sentenced Xu to life in jail for theft crime in late November. But Xu appealed to the Guangdong High Court, which then ordered a retrial.
In late March, the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou convicted Xu of theft crime, but the life imprisonment sentence was commuted to five years. It also fined Xu 20,000 yuan and demanded that he return his windfall to the bank.
Xu then appealed again but was rejected in May. The sentence needs the approval from the top court.
Source: Xinhua
13 trapped in north China mine blast
Thirteen people were trapped after a coal mine blast in north China's Hebei Province, police confirmed on Saturday.
An explosion occurred at around 3 a.m. Friday in a mine which had stopped production in Guye District, Tangshan City, trapping nine maintenance staff, the Tangshan City police said.
The mine owner then organized four people to enter the mine for rescue operation, but they also went missing, the police said.
Rescue work is still under way.
The cause of the blast remains unclear. The mine managers have been put under police watch.
Source: Xinhua
An explosion occurred at around 3 a.m. Friday in a mine which had stopped production in Guye District, Tangshan City, trapping nine maintenance staff, the Tangshan City police said.
The mine owner then organized four people to enter the mine for rescue operation, but they also went missing, the police said.
Rescue work is still under way.
The cause of the blast remains unclear. The mine managers have been put under police watch.
Source: Xinhua
German president arrives in Beijing for Paralympics
German President Horst Koehler arrived here Saturday afternoon for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
During his stay in China, Koehler will attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
During his stay in China, Koehler will attend the opening ceremony of the Paralympics and other relevant activities, according to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Chinese president holds grand luncheon to welcome distinguished guests for Beijing Paralympics
Chinese president Hu Jintao held a grand luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing on Saturday to welcome international dignitaries who have come to attend the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Proposing a toast, Hu said by participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life.
Chinese President Hu Jintao proposes a toast during a welcoming luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Sept. 6, 2008.
"The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together," he said.
Other top Party and state leaders of China, including Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, together with Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, were present at the luncheon.
The international dignitaries included President of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven and Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch.
At around 11:40 a.m., President Hu and his wife Liu greeted 48 foreign dignitaries and their spouses, ahead of the welcoming luncheon. The presidential couple shook hands with the foreign guests one by one.
The toast Hu proposed was titled "Promote the Paralympic Movement and Join Hands to Build a Better World."
Hu said in the toast that since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization.
"Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability," Hu said.
He said care for people with a disability is an important hallmark of a civilized and progressive society. There are 83 million people with a disability in China. The Chinese government and people have always attached importance to their well-being.
"We follow the principle of putting people first and advocate a humanitarian spirit. We stand for equality, oppose discrimination, care for the vulnerable and respect human rights," he added.
"We have adopted a range of policies and measures to encourage public care and support for people with a disability and actively promote their overall well-being, and our achievements have been recognized by all," he said.
"The Beijing Paralympic Games is an opportunity for us to further promote the humanitarian spirit, protect the rights and interests of people with a disability and ensure that they share the benefits of economic and social development as equal members of the society," said Hu.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of sports for people with a disability, and China has been an active participant in the Paralympic Movement. Since winning the bid to host the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2001, the Chinese government and people have, with the strong support of the IPC and the international community, earnestly fulfilled their solemn commitments to the world, Hu added.
"We have set the goal of 'two Games with equal splendor' and, guided by the concept of 'transcendence, integration and equality,' made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games. I am confident that, with the support of the IPC and the world at large, we will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features," said the president.
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Hu noted, adding that "I believe that, the Beijing Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for people with a disability from all over the world to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and will leave a rich legacy to the development of sports for people with a disability."
"Let's join hands to promote the well-being of people with a disability and make the world a better place," he concluded.
Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games , presided over the luncheon.
Proposing a toast, Hu said by participating in the Games, Paralympians from around the world display self-esteem, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-support. They share joy, forge friendships, realize dreams and experience success. They challenge themselves and bring out the value of life.
Chinese President Hu Jintao proposes a toast during a welcoming luncheon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Sept. 6, 2008.
"The Paralympic Movement inspires people with and without a disability to interact in the same global family, enjoy equal rights in the society and build a harmonious world together," he said.
Other top Party and state leaders of China, including Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, together with Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, were present at the luncheon.
The international dignitaries included President of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven and Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch.
At around 11:40 a.m., President Hu and his wife Liu greeted 48 foreign dignitaries and their spouses, ahead of the welcoming luncheon. The presidential couple shook hands with the foreign guests one by one.
The toast Hu proposed was titled "Promote the Paralympic Movement and Join Hands to Build a Better World."
Hu said in the toast that since the 1960s when the first Paralympic Games was held and thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, the Paralympic Games has become an important cultural and sports event that helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and promote human civilization.
"Over 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and regions will participate in the Beijing Paralympic Games. This fully demonstrates the global care and support for sports for people with a disability," Hu said.
He said care for people with a disability is an important hallmark of a civilized and progressive society. There are 83 million people with a disability in China. The Chinese government and people have always attached importance to their well-being.
"We follow the principle of putting people first and advocate a humanitarian spirit. We stand for equality, oppose discrimination, care for the vulnerable and respect human rights," he added.
"We have adopted a range of policies and measures to encourage public care and support for people with a disability and actively promote their overall well-being, and our achievements have been recognized by all," he said.
"The Beijing Paralympic Games is an opportunity for us to further promote the humanitarian spirit, protect the rights and interests of people with a disability and ensure that they share the benefits of economic and social development as equal members of the society," said Hu.
The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of sports for people with a disability, and China has been an active participant in the Paralympic Movement. Since winning the bid to host the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2001, the Chinese government and people have, with the strong support of the IPC and the international community, earnestly fulfilled their solemn commitments to the world, Hu added.
"We have set the goal of 'two Games with equal splendor' and, guided by the concept of 'transcendence, integration and equality,' made the utmost effort in the preparation for the Games. I am confident that, with the support of the IPC and the world at large, we will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features," said the president.
"One World, One Dream" is the slogan of both the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Hu noted, adding that "I believe that, the Beijing Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for people with a disability from all over the world to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and will leave a rich legacy to the development of sports for people with a disability."
"Let's join hands to promote the well-being of people with a disability and make the world a better place," he concluded.
Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games , presided over the luncheon.
China to equip major hospital in Afghan capital
The People's Republic of China after rebuilding one of the major hospitals in the Afghanistan capital Kabul has agreed to equip it with modern facilities, Afghan public Health Ministry said on Saturday.
"Provision of medical equipment to the Jumhuriat Hospital or Republican Hospital by China with a value of 2.5 million U.S. dollars is another important step in the strengthening of health system in Afghanistan," the ministry said in a statement.
Afghan Minister for Public Health Syed Mohammad Amin Fatimi and Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Yang Houlan inked the agreement Thursday on behalf of their respective governments.
The Republican Hospital which has been reconstructed in new style with 10-story building and 20 million U.S. dollars financial support of China would be inaugurated in near future to provide service.
"Equipping and activating of Republican Hospital will benefit not only the residents of Kabul but also patients from provinces with complicated health problems," it added.
"We are thankful to the government and the people of China and would like the continuation of such assistances from them in the future," the statement quoted Minister for Public Health Fatimi assaying.
China has contributed around 180 million U.S. dollars towards reconstruction of the post-Taliban Afghanistan since 2002.
Source: Xinhua
"Provision of medical equipment to the Jumhuriat Hospital or Republican Hospital by China with a value of 2.5 million U.S. dollars is another important step in the strengthening of health system in Afghanistan," the ministry said in a statement.
Afghan Minister for Public Health Syed Mohammad Amin Fatimi and Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Yang Houlan inked the agreement Thursday on behalf of their respective governments.
The Republican Hospital which has been reconstructed in new style with 10-story building and 20 million U.S. dollars financial support of China would be inaugurated in near future to provide service.
"Equipping and activating of Republican Hospital will benefit not only the residents of Kabul but also patients from provinces with complicated health problems," it added.
"We are thankful to the government and the people of China and would like the continuation of such assistances from them in the future," the statement quoted Minister for Public Health Fatimi assaying.
China has contributed around 180 million U.S. dollars towards reconstruction of the post-Taliban Afghanistan since 2002.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese vice premier meets Special Olympics chairman ahead of Paralympics
Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met with the visiting chairman of Special Olympics International , Timothy Shriver, here on Saturday.
"Caring for people with disabilities is a significant way to promote peace, friendship and human progress," Hui said at the meeting.
"The Special Olympic Games in Shanghai last year and the Beijing Paralympic Games will serve as a platform for people with disabilities from all over the world to realize their dreams. The two Games will also further promote the well-being of people with a disability in China," Hui said.
Highly praising the efforts of the SOI to promote the Special Olympics movement globally, Hui said that he hoped the SOI would continue to support the Special Olympics movement in China and enhance bilateral cooperation for further progress.
Shriver congratulated Hui on the successful organization of the Beijing Olympic Games and wished the Paralympics would also be successful.
"We would like to further expand exchanges and cooperation with China to share more experience in the Special Olympics," Shriver said.
The opening ceremony of the Paralympics is scheduled for Saturday night. More than 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and territories will participate in the Games.
Source: Xinhua
"Caring for people with disabilities is a significant way to promote peace, friendship and human progress," Hui said at the meeting.
"The Special Olympic Games in Shanghai last year and the Beijing Paralympic Games will serve as a platform for people with disabilities from all over the world to realize their dreams. The two Games will also further promote the well-being of people with a disability in China," Hui said.
Highly praising the efforts of the SOI to promote the Special Olympics movement globally, Hui said that he hoped the SOI would continue to support the Special Olympics movement in China and enhance bilateral cooperation for further progress.
Shriver congratulated Hui on the successful organization of the Beijing Olympic Games and wished the Paralympics would also be successful.
"We would like to further expand exchanges and cooperation with China to share more experience in the Special Olympics," Shriver said.
The opening ceremony of the Paralympics is scheduled for Saturday night. More than 4,000 athletes from more than 140 countries and territories will participate in the Games.
Source: Xinhua
Oil price could spur China industry restructuring
Concern over surging oil prices could mean the restructuring and upgrading of China's industries, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development official here on Friday.
"Commodity price hikes have severely affected the Chinese economy, but they also occurred as China faces industrial restructuring challenges," Li Yuefen, the UNCTAD Debt and Development Finance Branch head, said.
Rising commodity prices and wages have made it increasingly difficult for China to sustain a competitive export edge, she added.
A slow global economy is another challenge.
The Geneva-based agency released its annual Trade and Development Report in Changchun, the northeastern Jilin Province capital. The world economy is forecast to grow 2.9 percent this year, 0.9 percentage point less than last year, according to the report.
"In mid-2008, the global economy is teetering on the brink of recession," Li said. The downturn after four years of relatively fast growth was due to a number of factors.
These included the ongoing financial crisis, high commodity prices and tight monetary policies in several countries. China also faced a weak and volatile stock market.
Despite a slowdown, output growth in China this year was expected to expand about 10 percent, said Detlef Kotte, an UNCTAD Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch official. That growth is dependent on oil prices and might lead policy makers to restructure Chinese industries.
Li recommended cutting oil use and upgrading manufacturing technology.
The full TDR report is at www.unctad.org.
The report's release took place amid the 4th Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo here.
Nobel economics prize winner Robert Mundell told a forum that China's economic growth would not stay at 11 percent for long, but it was destined to be 8 percent for the next 15 to 20 years.
China's GDP growth rate was 11.4 percent last year. GDP grew by10.4 percent in the first half, down 1.8 percentage points year-on-year.
Mundell predicted that China's GDP would overtake that of Japan by 2012, surpass Europe in 2030 and exceed that of the United States in 2050.
Asked about the economic impact of the Olympics, Kotte said it would be reflected in a boost from infrastructure projects. There would not be a post-Olympics slowdown as some infrastructure projects were still under way and China was a large economy, Kotte added.
He said the Games would "also help foster a positive image" of China around the world, which would attract investment and tourism.
Source: Xinhua
"Commodity price hikes have severely affected the Chinese economy, but they also occurred as China faces industrial restructuring challenges," Li Yuefen, the UNCTAD Debt and Development Finance Branch head, said.
Rising commodity prices and wages have made it increasingly difficult for China to sustain a competitive export edge, she added.
A slow global economy is another challenge.
The Geneva-based agency released its annual Trade and Development Report in Changchun, the northeastern Jilin Province capital. The world economy is forecast to grow 2.9 percent this year, 0.9 percentage point less than last year, according to the report.
"In mid-2008, the global economy is teetering on the brink of recession," Li said. The downturn after four years of relatively fast growth was due to a number of factors.
These included the ongoing financial crisis, high commodity prices and tight monetary policies in several countries. China also faced a weak and volatile stock market.
Despite a slowdown, output growth in China this year was expected to expand about 10 percent, said Detlef Kotte, an UNCTAD Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch official. That growth is dependent on oil prices and might lead policy makers to restructure Chinese industries.
Li recommended cutting oil use and upgrading manufacturing technology.
The full TDR report is at www.unctad.org.
The report's release took place amid the 4th Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo here.
Nobel economics prize winner Robert Mundell told a forum that China's economic growth would not stay at 11 percent for long, but it was destined to be 8 percent for the next 15 to 20 years.
China's GDP growth rate was 11.4 percent last year. GDP grew by10.4 percent in the first half, down 1.8 percentage points year-on-year.
Mundell predicted that China's GDP would overtake that of Japan by 2012, surpass Europe in 2030 and exceed that of the United States in 2050.
Asked about the economic impact of the Olympics, Kotte said it would be reflected in a boost from infrastructure projects. There would not be a post-Olympics slowdown as some infrastructure projects were still under way and China was a large economy, Kotte added.
He said the Games would "also help foster a positive image" of China around the world, which would attract investment and tourism.
Source: Xinhua
China to allow issuing exchangeable bonds to ease stock oversupply
The China Securities Regulatory Commission will allow shareholders of listed companies to issue exchangeable bonds, a move to ease oversupply in the stock market that has helped to drive down share prices.
The CSRC published a draft regulation on the newly-introduced financing tool on its website on Friday night, soliciting public comment by Sept. 12.
Shareholders can issue bonds with an embedded option to exchange the bond for the stock of a company other than the issuer at least a year after the issuance, according to the regulation.
Such bonds could provide shareholders with a new funding channel other than simply dumping their holdings. This would ease the impact of heavy selling, said an unidentified CSRC official in a statement on the website.
Heavy selling has been cited as a factor that has aggravated liquidity strains in the country's flagging stock market.
The Shanghai index is down more than 58 percent this year and more than 63 percent from its peak in October last year. It fell 3.29 percent to 2,202.45 on Friday.
"The move will ease market concerns about the release of previously locked-up shares and make it easier for shareholders raise funds," said Shui Pi, an independent financial commentator.
The regulators will continue to adopt innovative market tools to guide large-volume selling by shareholders rather than extending lock-up periods or imposing windfall profits taxes, said the CSRC official.
The agency is also preparing to start a system of secondary offerings. The system would have securities dealers take up stocks from shareholders and hold them for some period, delaying the impact of the sales on the market.
However, such delays will only prolong the bear market without fully resolving the problem, according to independent stock analyst Hou Ning.
"To save the market, we need to help more private enterprises, which can really boost the economy, get listed," said Hou.
Cinda Securities analyst Liu Jingde said these moves were good news in the short term but wouldn't change the weak market fundamentals, because heavy selling was not the only factor behind price declines.
Figures from the CSRC show 480 million shares were freed from lock-ups and sold by shareholders in August, 43 percent less than in July. However, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index still tumbled more than 20 percent in the month.
Last month, the industry regulator raised the refinancing threshold for listed companies. It said companies could only carryout refinancing plans if they had paid dividends to shareholders equal to at least 30 percent of distributed profits over the most recent three years, up from 20 percent previously.
The slumping market reflected a correction from previous highs, rising global financial uncertainty and concerns about the domestic economy, the CSRC said in a statement last month. It said China's unsound stock market exacerbated the situation.
As weak sentiment made it harder for Chinese companies to raise money on the stock market, the government tried to boost the bond market as an alternative.
The emergence of exchangeable bonds is part of the effort to improve the structure of the capital market and will help connect the equity and debt markets, according to the CSRC official.
So far this year, about half of the value of refinancing efforts by listed companies represented bonds, which was progress in reducing reliance on the stock market, said the official. Previously, bonds accounted for only about 10 percent of corporate refinancing.
As of the end of August, bond issues by listed companies totaled 152.5 billion yuan since 2006,when the CSRC allowed such a practice, CSRC figures show.
Source: Xinhua
The CSRC published a draft regulation on the newly-introduced financing tool on its website on Friday night, soliciting public comment by Sept. 12.
Shareholders can issue bonds with an embedded option to exchange the bond for the stock of a company other than the issuer at least a year after the issuance, according to the regulation.
Such bonds could provide shareholders with a new funding channel other than simply dumping their holdings. This would ease the impact of heavy selling, said an unidentified CSRC official in a statement on the website.
Heavy selling has been cited as a factor that has aggravated liquidity strains in the country's flagging stock market.
The Shanghai index is down more than 58 percent this year and more than 63 percent from its peak in October last year. It fell 3.29 percent to 2,202.45 on Friday.
"The move will ease market concerns about the release of previously locked-up shares and make it easier for shareholders raise funds," said Shui Pi, an independent financial commentator.
The regulators will continue to adopt innovative market tools to guide large-volume selling by shareholders rather than extending lock-up periods or imposing windfall profits taxes, said the CSRC official.
The agency is also preparing to start a system of secondary offerings. The system would have securities dealers take up stocks from shareholders and hold them for some period, delaying the impact of the sales on the market.
However, such delays will only prolong the bear market without fully resolving the problem, according to independent stock analyst Hou Ning.
"To save the market, we need to help more private enterprises, which can really boost the economy, get listed," said Hou.
Cinda Securities analyst Liu Jingde said these moves were good news in the short term but wouldn't change the weak market fundamentals, because heavy selling was not the only factor behind price declines.
Figures from the CSRC show 480 million shares were freed from lock-ups and sold by shareholders in August, 43 percent less than in July. However, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index still tumbled more than 20 percent in the month.
Last month, the industry regulator raised the refinancing threshold for listed companies. It said companies could only carryout refinancing plans if they had paid dividends to shareholders equal to at least 30 percent of distributed profits over the most recent three years, up from 20 percent previously.
The slumping market reflected a correction from previous highs, rising global financial uncertainty and concerns about the domestic economy, the CSRC said in a statement last month. It said China's unsound stock market exacerbated the situation.
As weak sentiment made it harder for Chinese companies to raise money on the stock market, the government tried to boost the bond market as an alternative.
The emergence of exchangeable bonds is part of the effort to improve the structure of the capital market and will help connect the equity and debt markets, according to the CSRC official.
So far this year, about half of the value of refinancing efforts by listed companies represented bonds, which was progress in reducing reliance on the stock market, said the official. Previously, bonds accounted for only about 10 percent of corporate refinancing.
As of the end of August, bond issues by listed companies totaled 152.5 billion yuan since 2006,when the CSRC allowed such a practice, CSRC figures show.
Source: Xinhua
Mercedes-Benz China recalls vehicles for software coding mistakes
Mercedes-Benz China has decided to recall vehicles that might be given incorrect software calibration number coding in recent visit to workshops.
The error could cause various problems in different automobile models. It might disable fuel pump's reaction to car crash, when it was designed to cut off fuel supply. Other problems include ineffective speed limit and fuel meter mistakes.
The recall involves 22 vehicles in China, including R-Class, SLK-Class, GL-Class, C-Class, CLS-Class and S-Class ones, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China on Friday.
The incorrect coding is caused by a temporary error of central system, which sent incorrect codes to part of online applications from April 15 to 17 and June 5 to 10. The recalled cars would be renewed with correct codes.
Source: Xinhua
The error could cause various problems in different automobile models. It might disable fuel pump's reaction to car crash, when it was designed to cut off fuel supply. Other problems include ineffective speed limit and fuel meter mistakes.
The recall involves 22 vehicles in China, including R-Class, SLK-Class, GL-Class, C-Class, CLS-Class and S-Class ones, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China on Friday.
The incorrect coding is caused by a temporary error of central system, which sent incorrect codes to part of online applications from April 15 to 17 and June 5 to 10. The recalled cars would be renewed with correct codes.
Source: Xinhua
EU wants to be more equal to Washington
The European Union wants to be a "more equal partner" to the United States, said EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner on Friday.
She told reporters after the first day of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers that it is right time for the EU to raise its level of ambition in transatlantic relations.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who chaired Friday's meeting, said the EU needs to renew the transatlantic relationship in a changing world.
"We want to be fully involved, not just following their lead," Kouchner told the same press conference.
France's Foreign Affairs minister Bernard Kouchner arrives for the Informal UE foreign ministers meeting in Avignon, southern France, September 5, 2008.
He said the foreign ministers agreed to work together more with Washington.
Ferrero-Waldner said the EU countries have to be more clear and united in their positions in international issues and to be more effective in using their policies and instruments.
She highlighted the need to strengthen the EU's neighborhood, referring to relations with former Soviet republics. The Georgia crisis is a good example to illustrate the importance of the EU's neighborhood policy, she said.
Ferrero-Waldner said both the EU and the United States have to work with emerging countries, such as Brazil, China and India. But she ruled out cooperation with Russia, citing Moscow's self-assertiveness in the Georgia-Russia conflict.
She also said the EU should not rule out future contractual relationship with the United States, without giving any details.
The Georgia-Russia military conflict has caused fear in many EU countries, particularly Eastern European nations, which belonged to the former Soviet club.
The anxiety among European nations has naturally given rise to hopes for a closer transatlantic relationship.
Georgia launched a sudden attack in South Ossetia on Aug. 7 in an attempt to regain control of the breakaway region. Tbilisi's move triggered prompt reaction from Russia, whose troops drove Georgian forces out of the region and took parts of Georgian territory.
Russia last week recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region of Abkhazia as independent states, a move that further angered the West.
Source: Xinhua
She told reporters after the first day of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers that it is right time for the EU to raise its level of ambition in transatlantic relations.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who chaired Friday's meeting, said the EU needs to renew the transatlantic relationship in a changing world.
"We want to be fully involved, not just following their lead," Kouchner told the same press conference.
France's Foreign Affairs minister Bernard Kouchner arrives for the Informal UE foreign ministers meeting in Avignon, southern France, September 5, 2008.
He said the foreign ministers agreed to work together more with Washington.
Ferrero-Waldner said the EU countries have to be more clear and united in their positions in international issues and to be more effective in using their policies and instruments.
She highlighted the need to strengthen the EU's neighborhood, referring to relations with former Soviet republics. The Georgia crisis is a good example to illustrate the importance of the EU's neighborhood policy, she said.
Ferrero-Waldner said both the EU and the United States have to work with emerging countries, such as Brazil, China and India. But she ruled out cooperation with Russia, citing Moscow's self-assertiveness in the Georgia-Russia conflict.
She also said the EU should not rule out future contractual relationship with the United States, without giving any details.
The Georgia-Russia military conflict has caused fear in many EU countries, particularly Eastern European nations, which belonged to the former Soviet club.
The anxiety among European nations has naturally given rise to hopes for a closer transatlantic relationship.
Georgia launched a sudden attack in South Ossetia on Aug. 7 in an attempt to regain control of the breakaway region. Tbilisi's move triggered prompt reaction from Russia, whose troops drove Georgian forces out of the region and took parts of Georgian territory.
Russia last week recognized South Ossetia and another breakaway region of Abkhazia as independent states, a move that further angered the West.
Source: Xinhua
China supports quake-zone students in nationwide IT contest
The Chinese Ministry of Education said on Friday it would support students in the quake zone in this year's nationwide IT contest, since the country has a dire shortage of technology talents.
The ministry will reserve 10 seats in the final round for students from southwest China's Sichuan Province, the center of the May 12 earthquake, and it plans to raise the award quota for them. In addition, the ministry will provide free training material and online study accounts.
An official with the ministry said the event was the only authoritative IT competition in China and played a key role in fostering talent.
Travel and accommodation expenses for contestants from Sichuan will be paid by China Distance Education Holdings Ltd. , the country's largest online education provider, during their stay in the capital for the final.
According to its official website , the competition, jointly hosted by the ministry and CDEL, runs from Oct. 18 to Dec. 3. Winning contestants will get scholarships and free training.
"Sichuan is awaiting revival. With vigorous support from the country, we expect students there will be eager for IT studies," said the ministry official.
The ministry has set up more than 300 IT training bases nationwide in the past eight years, which have helped more than 50,000 people get IT certifications.
A survey by employment service Manpower Inc. found that technicians led the list of jobs in demand in China in the first half of 2008.
Source: Xinhua
The ministry will reserve 10 seats in the final round for students from southwest China's Sichuan Province, the center of the May 12 earthquake, and it plans to raise the award quota for them. In addition, the ministry will provide free training material and online study accounts.
An official with the ministry said the event was the only authoritative IT competition in China and played a key role in fostering talent.
Travel and accommodation expenses for contestants from Sichuan will be paid by China Distance Education Holdings Ltd. , the country's largest online education provider, during their stay in the capital for the final.
According to its official website , the competition, jointly hosted by the ministry and CDEL, runs from Oct. 18 to Dec. 3. Winning contestants will get scholarships and free training.
"Sichuan is awaiting revival. With vigorous support from the country, we expect students there will be eager for IT studies," said the ministry official.
The ministry has set up more than 300 IT training bases nationwide in the past eight years, which have helped more than 50,000 people get IT certifications.
A survey by employment service Manpower Inc. found that technicians led the list of jobs in demand in China in the first half of 2008.
Source: Xinhua
China launches two natural disaster monitoring satellites
China launched two satellites for monitoring ecological environment and natural disasters at around 11:25 a.m. here Saturday.
The two satellites, launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province and carried by a Long March 2C rocket, were expected to enhance the country's capacity to forecast natural disasters, according to Bai Zhaoguang, a leading scientist and designer of the satellites.
Under the name "Environment 1", the two satellites were the first of its kind for ecological monitoring put into space by China.
With a lifespan of more than three years, The two satellites were equipped with the most advanced image-forming system and infrared cameras. It finishes a global scanning every two days.
Source: Xinhua
The two satellites, launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province and carried by a Long March 2C rocket, were expected to enhance the country's capacity to forecast natural disasters, according to Bai Zhaoguang, a leading scientist and designer of the satellites.
Under the name "Environment 1", the two satellites were the first of its kind for ecological monitoring put into space by China.
With a lifespan of more than three years, The two satellites were equipped with the most advanced image-forming system and infrared cameras. It finishes a global scanning every two days.
Source: Xinhua
Beijing Paralympics to highlight Olympic spirit and glory of humanity
While the beautiful memory of the Beijing Olympic Games remains fresh, the Beijing Paralympic Games are near.
The flame of the Beijing Paralympic Games will burn atop the Bird's Nest on Saturday night. It will be a night of reunion and dream fulfillment for more than 4,000 disabled athletes from 148 countries and regions, a night of warmth and joy for the 83 million Chinese with disabilities and the world's disabled population of more than 600 million, as well as a night of passion and harmony for the six billion people across the globe.
The handicapped welcome the flame at the Summer Palace during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
The Paralympic movement, concept and spirit constitute an outstanding contribution to the modern Olympic Movement. Just like the modern Olympic Games, which has a history of more than a century, the 48-year-old Paralympic Games also seek to showcase the noble nature of mankind, such as the enterprising spirit, transcendence, enthusiasm in participation, as well as harmony and fraternity.
"Two Games, Equal Splendor" is a promise China has made to the world. And China has proposed the concepts of "transcendence, integration and equality" for the Beijing Paralympic Games. The country and its people are fulfilling the promise and performing international duties with utmost sincerity and in a down-to-earth manner. This has fully demonstrated that China highly values the Paralympic Games, earnestly takes care of the disabled, and sincerely wishes to promote the humanitarian spirit.
Local people welcome the flame with sign language during the Beijing 2008 Paralympics torch relay in Luoyang, a city of central China's Henan Province, Sept. 4, 2008.
This September, Beijing is opening its arms to welcome disabled athletes from all over the world, who have come to share the idea of "One World, One Dream," and to cement friendship, call on peace and promote harmony.
Taking part in sports activities, for fun or for competition -- this is an important way for the disabled people to get integrated into society on an equal footing. And they yearn to prove themselves and show vigor of life in the sports arena.
Integration, equality and common happiness are indispensable elements of a harmonious society. Through equal emphasis on sports activities for both disabled and able-bodied people, we can encourage greater participation in sport and better integration into society by people with disabilities.
China's hosting of the Paralympic Games is also a major step forward for human rights protection. Life quality of the disabled is a benchmark for the civilization level of a modern society. Respect and care for the disabled is an important indicator of social progress. Safeguarding the rights and interests of the disabled is a fundamental protection of human rights.
Promoting the welfare of the disabled people is an important part of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The development of sporting for the disabled has reflected the historical progress China has made since 1949, particularly in the past three decades of reform and opening-up.
Thanks to the country's emphasis on human rights development, the environment and conditions for the disabled to participate in social affairs have improved remarkably, the living standards of the disabled have kept rising, and the social atmosphere of respecting, protecting and helping the disabled has been fostered.
Through the hosting of the Beijing Paralympic Games, the whole society will have a better understanding of the life of the disabled, and make intensified efforts to take care of and help them. The Games will also boost the self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the communications and exchanges between Chinese and foreign Paralympians during the Games will help our country draw experience from the rest of the world, find out and solve our own problems, and do an even better job in seeking benefits for the disabled.
Source: Xinhua
The flame of the Beijing Paralympic Games will burn atop the Bird's Nest on Saturday night. It will be a night of reunion and dream fulfillment for more than 4,000 disabled athletes from 148 countries and regions, a night of warmth and joy for the 83 million Chinese with disabilities and the world's disabled population of more than 600 million, as well as a night of passion and harmony for the six billion people across the globe.
The handicapped welcome the flame at the Summer Palace during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
The Paralympic movement, concept and spirit constitute an outstanding contribution to the modern Olympic Movement. Just like the modern Olympic Games, which has a history of more than a century, the 48-year-old Paralympic Games also seek to showcase the noble nature of mankind, such as the enterprising spirit, transcendence, enthusiasm in participation, as well as harmony and fraternity.
"Two Games, Equal Splendor" is a promise China has made to the world. And China has proposed the concepts of "transcendence, integration and equality" for the Beijing Paralympic Games. The country and its people are fulfilling the promise and performing international duties with utmost sincerity and in a down-to-earth manner. This has fully demonstrated that China highly values the Paralympic Games, earnestly takes care of the disabled, and sincerely wishes to promote the humanitarian spirit.
Local people welcome the flame with sign language during the Beijing 2008 Paralympics torch relay in Luoyang, a city of central China's Henan Province, Sept. 4, 2008.
This September, Beijing is opening its arms to welcome disabled athletes from all over the world, who have come to share the idea of "One World, One Dream," and to cement friendship, call on peace and promote harmony.
Taking part in sports activities, for fun or for competition -- this is an important way for the disabled people to get integrated into society on an equal footing. And they yearn to prove themselves and show vigor of life in the sports arena.
Integration, equality and common happiness are indispensable elements of a harmonious society. Through equal emphasis on sports activities for both disabled and able-bodied people, we can encourage greater participation in sport and better integration into society by people with disabilities.
China's hosting of the Paralympic Games is also a major step forward for human rights protection. Life quality of the disabled is a benchmark for the civilization level of a modern society. Respect and care for the disabled is an important indicator of social progress. Safeguarding the rights and interests of the disabled is a fundamental protection of human rights.
Promoting the welfare of the disabled people is an important part of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The development of sporting for the disabled has reflected the historical progress China has made since 1949, particularly in the past three decades of reform and opening-up.
Thanks to the country's emphasis on human rights development, the environment and conditions for the disabled to participate in social affairs have improved remarkably, the living standards of the disabled have kept rising, and the social atmosphere of respecting, protecting and helping the disabled has been fostered.
Through the hosting of the Beijing Paralympic Games, the whole society will have a better understanding of the life of the disabled, and make intensified efforts to take care of and help them. The Games will also boost the self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the communications and exchanges between Chinese and foreign Paralympians during the Games will help our country draw experience from the rest of the world, find out and solve our own problems, and do an even better job in seeking benefits for the disabled.
Source: Xinhua
Jelimo wins Golden League jackpot, Bolt wins again
Kenya's Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo took away the IAAF Golden League's one-million-U.S.-dollar jackpot Friday night in Brussels, after winning women's 800-meter race in one minute 55.16 seconds.
Jelimo, 18, was a clear winner in the race, comfortably beating compatriot Janeth Jepkosgei into second place, who finished with one minute 58.85 seconds. Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica was third with one minute 59.11 seconds.
Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic, who could have shared the jackpot with a win, only managed second place. German Ariane Friedrich won the gold, and Olympic Champion Tia Hellebaut finished third. All the three women cleared the height of 2 meters.
Meanwhile, Jamaica made a clean sweep of medals in men's 100 meters at the last leg of the Golden League held at the King Baudouin Stadium. Three-time sprint Olympic Champion and world record holder Usain Bolt beat Asafa Powell to win the 100 meters in 9.77 seconds. Powell came in second in 9.83 seconds, and Nesta Carter was third in 10.07 seconds.
In women's pole vault competition, Olympic and world champion Yelena Isinbaeva of Russia won with a moderate clearance of 4.72 meters, ahead of Monika Pyrek of Poland and Tatyana Polnova of Russia.
In other events, local favorite and European champion Kim Gevaert won women's 100 meters in 11.25 seconds, ahead of Debbie Ferguson of Bahamas in 11.32 seconds and American Me'Lisa Barber in11.37 seconds.
The 30-year-old Belgian, member of the squad which won the silver medals in the 4x100 meters relay in the Beijing Olympics, will retire at the end of this year.
American Marshevet Hooker won women's 200 meters in 22.62 seconds, Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot was victorious in women's 5,000 meters in 14:25.43, and Delloreen Ennis-London of Jamaica won women's 100 meters hurdles in 12.65 seconds.
On the men's side, American Jeremy Wariner won 400 meters in 44.44 seconds. Yusuf Saad Kamel of Bahrain won 800 meters in 1:44.56, while compatriot Belal Mansoor Ali took the 1,500-meter title in 3: 35.94.
In men's 5,000 meters, Kenya finished 1-2-3, with Eliud Kipchogein first place in 13:06.12 ahead of Isaac Kiprono Songok and Mang' ata Kimai Ndiwa.
Kenya also won men's 3,000 meters steeplechase, with Paul Koech upsetting Olympic and World champion Brim Kipruto.
But in men's 10,000 meters, Ethiopian Sileshi Sihine beat Kenyans Moses Masai and Bernard Kiprop Kipyego into second and third places. Sihine won the race in 27:06.97.
Americans won men's 400 meters hurdles through Kerron Clement in48.29 seconds, and men's long jump through Miguel Pate in 8.02 meters.
Tero Pitkamaki of Finland was an easy winner in men's javelin throw with a distance of 85.82 meters, ahead of Latvian Ainars Kovals with 84.76 meters and Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen with 82. 39 meters.
Source: Xinhua
Jelimo, 18, was a clear winner in the race, comfortably beating compatriot Janeth Jepkosgei into second place, who finished with one minute 58.85 seconds. Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica was third with one minute 59.11 seconds.
Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic, who could have shared the jackpot with a win, only managed second place. German Ariane Friedrich won the gold, and Olympic Champion Tia Hellebaut finished third. All the three women cleared the height of 2 meters.
Meanwhile, Jamaica made a clean sweep of medals in men's 100 meters at the last leg of the Golden League held at the King Baudouin Stadium. Three-time sprint Olympic Champion and world record holder Usain Bolt beat Asafa Powell to win the 100 meters in 9.77 seconds. Powell came in second in 9.83 seconds, and Nesta Carter was third in 10.07 seconds.
In women's pole vault competition, Olympic and world champion Yelena Isinbaeva of Russia won with a moderate clearance of 4.72 meters, ahead of Monika Pyrek of Poland and Tatyana Polnova of Russia.
In other events, local favorite and European champion Kim Gevaert won women's 100 meters in 11.25 seconds, ahead of Debbie Ferguson of Bahamas in 11.32 seconds and American Me'Lisa Barber in11.37 seconds.
The 30-year-old Belgian, member of the squad which won the silver medals in the 4x100 meters relay in the Beijing Olympics, will retire at the end of this year.
American Marshevet Hooker won women's 200 meters in 22.62 seconds, Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot was victorious in women's 5,000 meters in 14:25.43, and Delloreen Ennis-London of Jamaica won women's 100 meters hurdles in 12.65 seconds.
On the men's side, American Jeremy Wariner won 400 meters in 44.44 seconds. Yusuf Saad Kamel of Bahrain won 800 meters in 1:44.56, while compatriot Belal Mansoor Ali took the 1,500-meter title in 3: 35.94.
In men's 5,000 meters, Kenya finished 1-2-3, with Eliud Kipchogein first place in 13:06.12 ahead of Isaac Kiprono Songok and Mang' ata Kimai Ndiwa.
Kenya also won men's 3,000 meters steeplechase, with Paul Koech upsetting Olympic and World champion Brim Kipruto.
But in men's 10,000 meters, Ethiopian Sileshi Sihine beat Kenyans Moses Masai and Bernard Kiprop Kipyego into second and third places. Sihine won the race in 27:06.97.
Americans won men's 400 meters hurdles through Kerron Clement in48.29 seconds, and men's long jump through Miguel Pate in 8.02 meters.
Tero Pitkamaki of Finland was an easy winner in men's javelin throw with a distance of 85.82 meters, ahead of Latvian Ainars Kovals with 84.76 meters and Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen with 82. 39 meters.
Source: Xinhua
Russian Abakumova beats Czech Olympic winner in javelin event
Russian Maria Abakumova wonan international javelin competition in Jablonec nad Nisou of the Czech republic, followed by Czech Barbora Spotakova, who got the gold medal at Beijing Olympic Games, on Friday.
Spotakova beat Abakumova at the Olympic competition in Beijing in August, setting a new world record, while Abakuma beat her Czechrival this time.
The crowded stadium in Jablonec gave a standing ovation to 85-year-old Czech Dana Zatopkova, 1952 Olympic javelin winner, who was present to the competition.
Source: Xinhua
Spotakova beat Abakumova at the Olympic competition in Beijing in August, setting a new world record, while Abakuma beat her Czechrival this time.
The crowded stadium in Jablonec gave a standing ovation to 85-year-old Czech Dana Zatopkova, 1952 Olympic javelin winner, who was present to the competition.
Source: Xinhua
People's Daily hails opening of Beijing Paralympics
The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China , hailed the opening of the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in an editorial appeared on Saturday.
The editorial, under the title of "Belonging to the same world, seeking a beautiful dream", says the opening of Paralympics would be a moment when the Paralympic spirit merged into the Chinese traditional virtue of "assisting the disabled".
It is also a moment when the spirit of humanism meets with the concept of humanistic Olympics in China, it adds.
"The Beijing Paralympics, the largest sports gathering for the disabled, have provided a stage for the world's handicapped people to realize their dreams," it says.
The two Games would shine equal splendor, says the editorial, adding the Chinese people, with the support of the whole world and the experience in holding a high-level and unique Olympics, are fully confident and capable of staging a wonderful Paralympics to the world.
Over the past few years, remarkable progress has been made in basic living standards, medicare, education and employment for the disabled, and the preparation for the Beijing Paralympics, to some extent, recorded fresh achievement made by China in promoting the cause for the disabled, it concludes.
Source: Xinhua
The editorial, under the title of "Belonging to the same world, seeking a beautiful dream", says the opening of Paralympics would be a moment when the Paralympic spirit merged into the Chinese traditional virtue of "assisting the disabled".
It is also a moment when the spirit of humanism meets with the concept of humanistic Olympics in China, it adds.
"The Beijing Paralympics, the largest sports gathering for the disabled, have provided a stage for the world's handicapped people to realize their dreams," it says.
The two Games would shine equal splendor, says the editorial, adding the Chinese people, with the support of the whole world and the experience in holding a high-level and unique Olympics, are fully confident and capable of staging a wonderful Paralympics to the world.
Over the past few years, remarkable progress has been made in basic living standards, medicare, education and employment for the disabled, and the preparation for the Beijing Paralympics, to some extent, recorded fresh achievement made by China in promoting the cause for the disabled, it concludes.
Source: Xinhua
Paralympic Games a boon for China's disabled
The 13th Paralympic Games, which gathers the world's best disabled athletes in a celebration of sport and destiny-defying courage, will bring more positive changes to the lives of China's disabled population.
"The utmost significance of the Paralympics is that it will help the whole society to be aware of and care for the disabled," said Chen Yuping, an Athens Paralympic sitting volleyball champion, on Friday, one day before the opening of the 13th Paralympic Games.
"Through the sports gathering, more will come to understand and know about people like me and share our passion for sport and life," she said.
The 11-day competitions will see more than 4,000 athletes from 148 countries and regions. Organizers aim to host the Games in a way that it will be remembered as an equal splendor as the Beijing Olympic Games. The host China also fielded its largest delegation ever with 547 members including 332 athletes.
"The Games will be a stage for the disabled athletes to challenge their own limits. It will also be a catalyst for improvement in the cause of the disabled people in China and the world," said Wang Wei, executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games , at a news conference.
China has about 83 million disabled people, and notably, the May 12 earthquake has just added thousands of more amputees.
In days leading to the Paralympic Games, huge attention has been given to the population. Chinese televisions devoted its prime-time to stories of Paralympians and promotion films featuring people with impairment. The China Central Television plans an unprecedented amount of live coverage of the Games events.
Besides the public attention, the disabled are getting some tangible benefits.
In preparing for the Paralympics, Beijing invested 600 million yuan to install and improve accessibility facilities. Its residents are seeing more public buses with lowered doors, toilets with assistive devices and warning systems on the streets. Rules prohibiting large dogs are relaxed to allow the blind to bring their guide dogs.
Parks, tourist sites, including some heritage sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and museums have modified their facilities to be accessible for the disabled. All Chinese airports have adopted accessible designs. Banks and post offices in some cities also provide service in sign language.
Public awareness campaigns are organized. In Beijing, more than 5,000 residents with disabilities are recruited as community supervisors to check whether accessibility facilities function well. In Qingdao, a co-host city of the Olympics and Paralympics, more than 20,000 locals registered to learn some sign languages to communicate with the hearing-impaired.
Nationwide, more than 162 middle schools are paired up with Paralympic committees in 159 countries and regions in educational programs. The Paralympic torch relay ran through 11 cities across China to spread the Games' message of "Transcendence, Integration and Equality".
"The Paralympics got some balls rolling," said Jia Yong, sports director of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, "changes have been made, and more are on the way."
Jia still remembers that 20 years ago when he trained with his swimmers in Beijing, one man came to them and asked if they were from homeless shelters. "The public mindset is changing. People have become more accepting and caring as the society develops," he said.
"Sports transform the lives of individuals. It also spurs social changes," Jia said. "The Paralympic Games will benefit more disabled population in ways like promoting social awareness, integration, and the adoption of favorable policies," he said. Some 50 technicians who are trained to repair the artificial limbs for the Paralympians are also important "personnel legacies", he added.
Looking to the post-Paralympics prospects, many noted that more work is needed to remove the impediments for those with special needs.
"Beijing, for example, is not yet a totally barrier-free city. It takes more social progress to see more changes, both in infrastructure and in people's minds," said Tang Xiaoquan, deputy executive president of the BOCOG.
Sang Lan, a Chinese gymnast who was paralyzed a decade ago in a Goodwill Games in the United States, wrote in her blog that she wants to see more disabled people out and active in the society, and also more understanding and care of the general public.
"I got over the past ten years with the help of those who cared about me...In the next ten years, I will continue to fight against the odds and say no to those discriminate opinions," she wrote.
Source: Xinhua
"The utmost significance of the Paralympics is that it will help the whole society to be aware of and care for the disabled," said Chen Yuping, an Athens Paralympic sitting volleyball champion, on Friday, one day before the opening of the 13th Paralympic Games.
"Through the sports gathering, more will come to understand and know about people like me and share our passion for sport and life," she said.
The 11-day competitions will see more than 4,000 athletes from 148 countries and regions. Organizers aim to host the Games in a way that it will be remembered as an equal splendor as the Beijing Olympic Games. The host China also fielded its largest delegation ever with 547 members including 332 athletes.
"The Games will be a stage for the disabled athletes to challenge their own limits. It will also be a catalyst for improvement in the cause of the disabled people in China and the world," said Wang Wei, executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games , at a news conference.
China has about 83 million disabled people, and notably, the May 12 earthquake has just added thousands of more amputees.
In days leading to the Paralympic Games, huge attention has been given to the population. Chinese televisions devoted its prime-time to stories of Paralympians and promotion films featuring people with impairment. The China Central Television plans an unprecedented amount of live coverage of the Games events.
Besides the public attention, the disabled are getting some tangible benefits.
In preparing for the Paralympics, Beijing invested 600 million yuan to install and improve accessibility facilities. Its residents are seeing more public buses with lowered doors, toilets with assistive devices and warning systems on the streets. Rules prohibiting large dogs are relaxed to allow the blind to bring their guide dogs.
Parks, tourist sites, including some heritage sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and museums have modified their facilities to be accessible for the disabled. All Chinese airports have adopted accessible designs. Banks and post offices in some cities also provide service in sign language.
Public awareness campaigns are organized. In Beijing, more than 5,000 residents with disabilities are recruited as community supervisors to check whether accessibility facilities function well. In Qingdao, a co-host city of the Olympics and Paralympics, more than 20,000 locals registered to learn some sign languages to communicate with the hearing-impaired.
Nationwide, more than 162 middle schools are paired up with Paralympic committees in 159 countries and regions in educational programs. The Paralympic torch relay ran through 11 cities across China to spread the Games' message of "Transcendence, Integration and Equality".
"The Paralympics got some balls rolling," said Jia Yong, sports director of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, "changes have been made, and more are on the way."
Jia still remembers that 20 years ago when he trained with his swimmers in Beijing, one man came to them and asked if they were from homeless shelters. "The public mindset is changing. People have become more accepting and caring as the society develops," he said.
"Sports transform the lives of individuals. It also spurs social changes," Jia said. "The Paralympic Games will benefit more disabled population in ways like promoting social awareness, integration, and the adoption of favorable policies," he said. Some 50 technicians who are trained to repair the artificial limbs for the Paralympians are also important "personnel legacies", he added.
Looking to the post-Paralympics prospects, many noted that more work is needed to remove the impediments for those with special needs.
"Beijing, for example, is not yet a totally barrier-free city. It takes more social progress to see more changes, both in infrastructure and in people's minds," said Tang Xiaoquan, deputy executive president of the BOCOG.
Sang Lan, a Chinese gymnast who was paralyzed a decade ago in a Goodwill Games in the United States, wrote in her blog that she wants to see more disabled people out and active in the society, and also more understanding and care of the general public.
"I got over the past ten years with the help of those who cared about me...In the next ten years, I will continue to fight against the odds and say no to those discriminate opinions," she wrote.
Source: Xinhua
Chelsea defender Rajkovic given one-year ban for spitting
World soccer's governing body FIFA on Friday announced a one-year ban on Chelsea defender Slobodan Rajkovic who spit at a referee during the Beijing Olympic Games.
"The committee decided to suspend Slobodan Rajkovic for 12 months for spitting at the referee on Aug. 13 after the Argentina v Serbia match," FIFA said in a statement.
"This suspension applies to all national and international matches including club competitions," FIFA said, adding that Rajkovic could appeal against the decision.
Rajkovic, 19, was signed by Chelsea from OFK Belgrade in 2005 at the age of 16. He is currently at Twente Enschede on a loan deal.
Source: Xinhua
"The committee decided to suspend Slobodan Rajkovic for 12 months for spitting at the referee on Aug. 13 after the Argentina v Serbia match," FIFA said in a statement.
"This suspension applies to all national and international matches including club competitions," FIFA said, adding that Rajkovic could appeal against the decision.
Rajkovic, 19, was signed by Chelsea from OFK Belgrade in 2005 at the age of 16. He is currently at Twente Enschede on a loan deal.
Source: Xinhua
Paralympic torch relay ends in Beijing
Torchbearer Tao Wei and his successor Han Rongfang pose for photos during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2008.
The Paralympic torch relay came to end after 120 torchbearers passed the flame in the Chaoyang Park of Beijing on Saturday.
Xu Yuanshen, a trainer of China's disabled athletes, was the first torchbearer launching the 5.5km relay at 9:15 a.m. in Chaoyang Park, where the venue of Olympic beach volleyball locates.
Xu had been a basketball player in national team, winning the eighth Asian championships and ninth Asian Games. He had lifted national league trophy five times with his teammates.
The flame of the "Ancient China" and "Modern China" routes converges in China Millennium Monument during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
Nikolaos Tsotras, a Paralympic athlete of Greece, ran in the 12th leg. He was an 18-year-old swimmer to race in six events at the upcoming Beijing Paralympics.
Other high-profile torchbearers are IPC secretary general Kassim Rahman, Malta Paralympic athlete Antonio Flores, Chinese singer of infantile paralysis Li Chen, Philippine Paralympic athlete Adeline Ancheta, Hong Kong Kongfu star Jackie Chan's son Fang Zuming.
The last torchbearer Zhou Ye holds the torch on the Seventeen-Arch Bridge inside the Summer Palace during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
After the torch relay, Li Chen will sing a self-composed song named "aspiration" in the warm-up of Paralympics opening ceremony on Saturday's evening.
Li made a sensation as a special singer in 1999. His song "outside of window" was one of the most popular songs that year.
Li was also a gold medalist in national games for the disabled. He won the men's 10m air pistol in 1993.
Barcelona Olympic table tennis champion Wang Tao, an Olympic torchbearer, attended the wheelchair for Li as a volunteer.
"Wang Tao is a world and Olympic champion. I'm a national champion. He is an Olympic torchbearer and I'm a Paralympic torchbearer. The combination between us is illustrating 'two Olympics, both wonderful'," said Li.
"That's the Olymic spirit. The healthy and the disabled go together, side by side."
The last torchbearer was Zhao Jihua, 65, from China's Disabled Persons' Federation. He is in charge of China's Paralympic delegation and also functions as spokesman in the Beijing Paralympics, which is to be opened on Saturday's evening in the National Stadium.
The Beijing Paralympic torch relay covered 13,181 kilometers in nine days passing eleven cities which were selected from provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China.
The Paralympic torch relay was carried out along two routes, namely the route of "modern China" and the route of "ancient China". "Modern" route visited cities Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian prior to returning Beijing, while the "ancient China" route picked Xi'an, Hohhot, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang.
Source: Xinhua
The Paralympic torch relay came to end after 120 torchbearers passed the flame in the Chaoyang Park of Beijing on Saturday.
Xu Yuanshen, a trainer of China's disabled athletes, was the first torchbearer launching the 5.5km relay at 9:15 a.m. in Chaoyang Park, where the venue of Olympic beach volleyball locates.
Xu had been a basketball player in national team, winning the eighth Asian championships and ninth Asian Games. He had lifted national league trophy five times with his teammates.
The flame of the "Ancient China" and "Modern China" routes converges in China Millennium Monument during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
Nikolaos Tsotras, a Paralympic athlete of Greece, ran in the 12th leg. He was an 18-year-old swimmer to race in six events at the upcoming Beijing Paralympics.
Other high-profile torchbearers are IPC secretary general Kassim Rahman, Malta Paralympic athlete Antonio Flores, Chinese singer of infantile paralysis Li Chen, Philippine Paralympic athlete Adeline Ancheta, Hong Kong Kongfu star Jackie Chan's son Fang Zuming.
The last torchbearer Zhou Ye holds the torch on the Seventeen-Arch Bridge inside the Summer Palace during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2008.
After the torch relay, Li Chen will sing a self-composed song named "aspiration" in the warm-up of Paralympics opening ceremony on Saturday's evening.
Li made a sensation as a special singer in 1999. His song "outside of window" was one of the most popular songs that year.
Li was also a gold medalist in national games for the disabled. He won the men's 10m air pistol in 1993.
Barcelona Olympic table tennis champion Wang Tao, an Olympic torchbearer, attended the wheelchair for Li as a volunteer.
"Wang Tao is a world and Olympic champion. I'm a national champion. He is an Olympic torchbearer and I'm a Paralympic torchbearer. The combination between us is illustrating 'two Olympics, both wonderful'," said Li.
"That's the Olymic spirit. The healthy and the disabled go together, side by side."
The last torchbearer was Zhao Jihua, 65, from China's Disabled Persons' Federation. He is in charge of China's Paralympic delegation and also functions as spokesman in the Beijing Paralympics, which is to be opened on Saturday's evening in the National Stadium.
The Beijing Paralympic torch relay covered 13,181 kilometers in nine days passing eleven cities which were selected from provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China.
The Paralympic torch relay was carried out along two routes, namely the route of "modern China" and the route of "ancient China". "Modern" route visited cities Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian prior to returning Beijing, while the "ancient China" route picked Xi'an, Hohhot, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang.
Source: Xinhua
Paralympic athletes parade in National Stadium
Members of the Paralympic Delegation of Japan parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6, 2008.
Members of the Paralympic Delegation of Malta parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6, 2008.
Members of the Paralympic Delegation of China's Macao parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6, 2008.
Members of the Paralympic Delegation of Malta parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6, 2008.
Members of the Paralympic Delegation of China's Macao parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, Sept. 6, 2008.
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