BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- North China's severe drought is still threatening 104 million mu (6.9 million hectares) of farmland in north China, the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said Sunday.
The drought-affected farmland dropped only 6.41 million mu, compared to a day earlier, although the country is going all out to fight the worst drought in decades, including artificial rain.
Among the total affected farmland, 30.33 million mu was seriously threatened by the drought, though 940,000 mu less than a day earlier, and 4.21 million mu had dried out, according to the office.
In the meantime, 4.68 million people and 2.5 million heads of livestock are still facing water shortage.
About 88.42 million mu of winter wheat crops are suffering from the drought, 5.88 million mu less than a day earlier, in provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, and Gansu.
The respite was limited as there was no effective rainfall in the drought-hit winter wheat growing provinces Saturday, although 5.11 million mu of wheat farmland was watered by irrigation facilities.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
China to launch trainee program for 1 mln unemployed college graduates
Special Report: Global Financial Crisis
BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a graduate trainee program for one million unemployed college graduates in three years, according to a circular issued by the general office of the State Council on Sunday.
The program did not suggest a fixed length or pay scale of the training, but the circular demanded local governments and organizations which provided training to offer basic living subsidies to the trainees.
The government would build training bases for the program with responsible employers, and employers are encouraged to recruit graduate trainees, said the circular.
Besides the trainee program, the government would also enhance technical training for graduates from vocational schools with a "double certificates" program.
According to the program, schools would help the students get vocational qualification certificates when they leave school, in addition to their graduate certificates.
China had about 1.5 million unemployed college graduates by the end of 2008, registering an unemployment rate of 12 percent, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said in the Blue Book of China's Economy (2009) last December.Chinese premier invites grassroots suggestions for gov't work
BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen grassroots representatives - some of them farmers, pig-raisers, migrant workers, college graduates, doctors and primary school teachers - were invited to the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in downtown Beijing last week by the premier to voice their opinions on government work.
Sitting beside an oval table, the 13 people, excited and nervous, all experienced their first face-to-face talk with Premier Wen Jiabao.
All-out efforts in employment expansion urged BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council, or the cabinet, issued a notice Tuesday that urged governments at all levels to make every possible effort to expand employment.
The notice said that the deepening global financial crisis makes it more difficult to offer jobs for new labor force and unemployment risks continue to increase. In response, governments should adopt a more vigorous employment policy to maintain stable employment and social order.
Ministry: China to create 775,000 jobs through rural stores by end-2010
BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will establish 250,000 rural retail stores by next year to create 775,000 jobs for migrant workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the global economic crisis, a Ministry of Commerce official said Monday.
Vice Commerce Minister Jiang Zengwei said this year the ministry would set up 150,000 stores. This and the building of ancillary services, including delivery centers and post offices, which would create "a large amount of jobs" for migrant workers.
Rising unemployment becomes China's top challenge
BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A survey conducted by China Economic Monitoring and Analysis Center predicted that rising unemployment would be the biggest challenge for China's economy this year.
The survey showed, more than 90 percent of the 100 economists surveyed expressed their worries over the country's increasing unemployment rate, which had added woes to a world economic downturn.
Chinese Vice Premier: boost employment, guarantee people's living
BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Monday that employment and people's livelihood should be guaranteed.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when visiting the southern Guangdong Province, a major base for export-oriented manufacturers that had provided jobs for many migrant workers.
BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a graduate trainee program for one million unemployed college graduates in three years, according to a circular issued by the general office of the State Council on Sunday.
The program did not suggest a fixed length or pay scale of the training, but the circular demanded local governments and organizations which provided training to offer basic living subsidies to the trainees.
The government would build training bases for the program with responsible employers, and employers are encouraged to recruit graduate trainees, said the circular.
Besides the trainee program, the government would also enhance technical training for graduates from vocational schools with a "double certificates" program.
According to the program, schools would help the students get vocational qualification certificates when they leave school, in addition to their graduate certificates.
China had about 1.5 million unemployed college graduates by the end of 2008, registering an unemployment rate of 12 percent, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said in the Blue Book of China's Economy (2009) last December.Chinese premier invites grassroots suggestions for gov't work
BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen grassroots representatives - some of them farmers, pig-raisers, migrant workers, college graduates, doctors and primary school teachers - were invited to the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in downtown Beijing last week by the premier to voice their opinions on government work.
Sitting beside an oval table, the 13 people, excited and nervous, all experienced their first face-to-face talk with Premier Wen Jiabao.
All-out efforts in employment expansion urged BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council, or the cabinet, issued a notice Tuesday that urged governments at all levels to make every possible effort to expand employment.
The notice said that the deepening global financial crisis makes it more difficult to offer jobs for new labor force and unemployment risks continue to increase. In response, governments should adopt a more vigorous employment policy to maintain stable employment and social order.
Ministry: China to create 775,000 jobs through rural stores by end-2010
BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will establish 250,000 rural retail stores by next year to create 775,000 jobs for migrant workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the global economic crisis, a Ministry of Commerce official said Monday.
Vice Commerce Minister Jiang Zengwei said this year the ministry would set up 150,000 stores. This and the building of ancillary services, including delivery centers and post offices, which would create "a large amount of jobs" for migrant workers.
Rising unemployment becomes China's top challenge
BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- A survey conducted by China Economic Monitoring and Analysis Center predicted that rising unemployment would be the biggest challenge for China's economy this year.
The survey showed, more than 90 percent of the 100 economists surveyed expressed their worries over the country's increasing unemployment rate, which had added woes to a world economic downturn.
Chinese Vice Premier: boost employment, guarantee people's living
BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Monday that employment and people's livelihood should be guaranteed.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when visiting the southern Guangdong Province, a major base for export-oriented manufacturers that had provided jobs for many migrant workers.
Chinese president in Tanzania for state visit(1)
DAR ES SALAAM -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam Saturday night for a state visit to the eastern African nation.
Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Tanzanian President Kikwete pose for the media Feb.14, 2008. Hu Jintao arrived in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam for a state visit to the eastern African nation.[Xinhua]Hu was greeted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and a local performance at the airport.In a statement released upon arrival, Hu said the bilateral relationship has been developing in a sound and smooth way since 45 years ago when the diplomatic ties were established."It can be viewed as an exemplary relationship of sincerity, solidarity and cooperation between China and an African country and between two developing countries," Hu said.The president said his visit is aimed at enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation, planning for the future and lifting the friendly and cooperative relations to a new high.Hu said he is expecting an in-depth exchange of views with President Kikwete and other Tanzanian leaders on the bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.During his stay here, Hu will also meet with Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, attend the completion ceremony of Tanzania's state stadium, visit a cemetery for Chinese experts, and deliver a key-note speech at a welcoming meeting on Monday.Tanzania is the fourth stop of Hu's five-nation tour, which was described as "a journey of friendship and cooperation." Earlier, Hu visited Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal. The week-long tour will also take him to Mauritius before flying back home on Tuesday.This is Hu's second African tour since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006 when he announced eight policy measures to promote ties with Africa, including massive tariff cuts and debt exemptions for scores of African countries, and doubling aid to Africa over a three-year period.In talks with Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure on Thursday, Hu said China would increase aid to African countries, cancel part of their debts, and expand trade with and investment in the poorest continent despite the world financial crisis.The year 2009 will witness a 200-percent increase in aid accords with African countries in value terms as compared to 2006, according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry."In 2009, the Chinese leaders will continue to take the development of relations with Africa as a top priority of Chinese diplomacy," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Xinhua last month.
Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Tanzanian President Kikwete pose for the media Feb.14, 2008. Hu Jintao arrived in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam for a state visit to the eastern African nation.[Xinhua]Hu was greeted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and a local performance at the airport.In a statement released upon arrival, Hu said the bilateral relationship has been developing in a sound and smooth way since 45 years ago when the diplomatic ties were established."It can be viewed as an exemplary relationship of sincerity, solidarity and cooperation between China and an African country and between two developing countries," Hu said.The president said his visit is aimed at enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation, planning for the future and lifting the friendly and cooperative relations to a new high.Hu said he is expecting an in-depth exchange of views with President Kikwete and other Tanzanian leaders on the bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.During his stay here, Hu will also meet with Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, attend the completion ceremony of Tanzania's state stadium, visit a cemetery for Chinese experts, and deliver a key-note speech at a welcoming meeting on Monday.Tanzania is the fourth stop of Hu's five-nation tour, which was described as "a journey of friendship and cooperation." Earlier, Hu visited Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal. The week-long tour will also take him to Mauritius before flying back home on Tuesday.This is Hu's second African tour since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006 when he announced eight policy measures to promote ties with Africa, including massive tariff cuts and debt exemptions for scores of African countries, and doubling aid to Africa over a three-year period.In talks with Malian President Amadou Toumany Toure on Thursday, Hu said China would increase aid to African countries, cancel part of their debts, and expand trade with and investment in the poorest continent despite the world financial crisis.The year 2009 will witness a 200-percent increase in aid accords with African countries in value terms as compared to 2006, according to the Chinese Commerce Ministry."In 2009, the Chinese leaders will continue to take the development of relations with Africa as a top priority of Chinese diplomacy," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Xinhua last month.
China Says 'Deeply Concerned' over Trade Protectionism
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) voiced concern Monday about trade protectionism, amid fears that such action would aggravate the economic downturn.MOC spokesman Yao Jian told a press conference China was "deeply concerned" over protectionism in some countries, which he didn't identify. "China is against any form of protectionism, and we propose cooperation and negotiation to solve all international trade issues," Yao said.The United States Congress last week approved a 787-billion-U.S.-dollar stimulus plan that contains "Buy American" provisions, which limit the purchase of foreign iron, steel and manufactured goods for stimulus-funded infrastructure projects.Yao also said China would give its full support to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to restrain the spread of trade protectionism."The WTO's plan on tracking member countries' stimulus packages and the fulfillment of the measures is a good mechanism to restrain trade protectionism. It may urge member countries to commit to their free trading strategy," he said.
Engine Malfunction Forces Plane into Emergency Landing(1)
Mechanics carry out checks and repairs after a passenger plane made an emergency landing at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport on Sunday, February 16, 2009. [Photo: dahe.cn]Due to engine malfunctioning, a Boeing 737 passenger plane from China's Shenzhen Airlines was forced to land in Zhengzhou in central China's Henan province on Sunday afternoon on its route from Beijing to Shenzhen. No casualties were reported.Local website dahe.cn reported that the flight ZH9852, which had over 160 passengers on board, made an emergency landing only 45 minutes after taking off.A passenger, sat near the left wing of the plane, said he saw grey smoke coming from the engine under the wing when the crew broadcast the malfunction and demanded passengeres on board remain calm before making an emergency landing.An emergency plan was quickly launched with over ten fire engines and ambulances waiting at the Zhengzhou airport.The malfunctioning engine was then shut off and the plane managed a safe landing under guidance from ground.The plane was sent for maintenance after landing. A staff member from Shenzhen Airlines said the cause of the accident was an engine malfunction, but further investigations are needed to get the details.The passengers of the flight were stranded at the airport before other planes were arranged for them to continue their journey.
Grieving Sichuan Parents Celebrate New Life
Hope has been reborn for a southwest China couple who lost their only daughter in the May 12 earthquake.On Saturday, Yang Xia and her husband, Xian Ziwen, became the first bereaved parents in the quake zone to have a second child, nine months after the death of 19-year-old Xian Juan."It's all like a dream for me," said Yang, whose is still coming to terms with the loss of her first daughter.The healthy 3.6-kg baby is considered a double blessing as Yang, at 40, was considered to be "high risk" in pregnancy.Xian Juan, a 12th grader, was the only quake victim at Shucheng Middle School, in Chongzhou city, in west Sichuan.The family was one of the more than 8,000 Sichuan families who lost their only child in the earthquake, which left more than 80,000 dead.Yang was informed by a school teacher on the afternoon of May 12 that her daughter was injured and in hospital. Yang found her lying silently on a hospital bed, covered by a piece of white cloth.If she had lived, she might have been studying anthropology, a subject her farmer parents had never heard of, at university.Yang Xia spent a month in grief."We quarreled everyday over almost everything," recalled Xian Ziwen, 46. "I understand that she needed to express her emotions."Sichuan legislators in July exempted families who lost their children in the earthquake from the country's one-child laws.The rule, adopted by the standing committee of the provincial legislature, allowed a family who lost an only child, or in which the child was disabled, or a family with two children who were both disabled in the disaster, to have another child.Since the quake, about 5,000 Sichuan couples had received free fertility treatment, said Wang Zaiyin, director of the provincial Population and Family Planning Commission, on Monday.In devastated Deyang City, 74 percent of parents of child-bearing age who lost their children considered having a child, according to the city's family planning authorities.Yang became pregnant in July and the couple grew closer, said Xian Ziwen, a flour mill worker in Baima village, Jinjiang county.He bought soy milk every day for his wife to boost her strength."My only wish is that the child will avoid misery and suffering," he said.
Chinese president speaks highly of China-Tanzania ties(1)
Special reports: President Hu visits five Asian, African nations·Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday delivered a key-note speech in Dar Es Salaam. ·Hu: China-Tanzania relationship has become "a model for both China-Africa and South-South cooperation." ·Both sides have attached great importance to the development of relations over the past 45 years, Hu said.
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday delivered a key-note speech here, speaking highly of the relationship between China and Tanzania.
In his speech entitled "Work Together to Write a New Chapter of China-Africa Friendship," Hu said China-Tanzania relationship has become "a model for both China-Africa and South-South cooperation."
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)Photo Gallery>>>
He delivered the speech at a welcoming rally held by people from various sectors.
In recent years, under the leadership of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Tanzania has worked hard with "New Zeal, New Vigor, and New Speed" to develop its economy, improve the well-being of its people, maintain political stability and play an important role in African and international affairs, Hu said.
China rejoices at the achievements of Tanzania, a country he said is renowned as the "oasis of peace" in Africa.
As for the friendship between the two countries, Hu quoted an old Chinese saying: "Nothing can separate people with common goals and ideals, not even mountains and seas."
In spite of long distance, he said, leaders and people of the two countries have engaged in friendly exchanges since the 1960s and forged a profound friendship during Africa's struggle for national liberation.
Both sides have attached great importance to the development of relations over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Hu noted, adding China and Tanzania have had close high-level contacts, enhanced political mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation in a wide range of areas.
The Chinese president also said he and Kikwete had an in-depth exchange of views on Sunday and reached broad agreement on how to further bilateral relations, and signed agreements on economic and technological cooperation.
On Sunday, Hu attended the completion ceremony of Tanzania's state stadium and paid tribute to a cemetery for Chinese experts who had worked and died in the country.
Recalling them, Hu said the stadium will become a new landmark of friendship between the two counties, and "the Chinese government and people will always cherish their memory and will never forget their contribution to the friendship with Tanzania".
Tanzania is the fourth leg of Hu's week-long tour, which has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal. He will later visit Mauritius before flying home on Tuesday.
This is Hu's sixth visit to Africa and his second since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006, where he announced eight measures designed to strengthen cooperation and forge a new type of strategic partnership with Africa.
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (C, front) and Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (R) attend the completion ceremony of the Tanzania National Main Stadium, built by a Chinese contractor with financing from the governments of both Tanzania and China, in Dar Es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2009. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday delivered a key-note speech here, speaking highly of the relationship between China and Tanzania.
In his speech entitled "Work Together to Write a New Chapter of China-Africa Friendship," Hu said China-Tanzania relationship has become "a model for both China-Africa and South-South cooperation."
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)Photo Gallery>>>
He delivered the speech at a welcoming rally held by people from various sectors.
In recent years, under the leadership of President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Tanzania has worked hard with "New Zeal, New Vigor, and New Speed" to develop its economy, improve the well-being of its people, maintain political stability and play an important role in African and international affairs, Hu said.
China rejoices at the achievements of Tanzania, a country he said is renowned as the "oasis of peace" in Africa.
As for the friendship between the two countries, Hu quoted an old Chinese saying: "Nothing can separate people with common goals and ideals, not even mountains and seas."
In spite of long distance, he said, leaders and people of the two countries have engaged in friendly exchanges since the 1960s and forged a profound friendship during Africa's struggle for national liberation.
Both sides have attached great importance to the development of relations over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Hu noted, adding China and Tanzania have had close high-level contacts, enhanced political mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation in a wide range of areas.
The Chinese president also said he and Kikwete had an in-depth exchange of views on Sunday and reached broad agreement on how to further bilateral relations, and signed agreements on economic and technological cooperation.
On Sunday, Hu attended the completion ceremony of Tanzania's state stadium and paid tribute to a cemetery for Chinese experts who had worked and died in the country.
Recalling them, Hu said the stadium will become a new landmark of friendship between the two counties, and "the Chinese government and people will always cherish their memory and will never forget their contribution to the friendship with Tanzania".
Tanzania is the fourth leg of Hu's week-long tour, which has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Mali and Senegal. He will later visit Mauritius before flying home on Tuesday.
This is Hu's sixth visit to Africa and his second since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006, where he announced eight measures designed to strengthen cooperation and forge a new type of strategic partnership with Africa.
Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (C, front) and Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (R) attend the completion ceremony of the Tanzania National Main Stadium, built by a Chinese contractor with financing from the governments of both Tanzania and China, in Dar Es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2009. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
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