Chinese vice premier meets New Zealand PM

Chinese premier, EU's Barroso discuss climate change over phone

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says the key to success at the upcoming UN climate conference in Copenhagen is to uphold the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

During a phone conversation with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Wen Jiabao also stressed the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities'' in dealing with climate change.

The premier said China is ready to work with the EU to push for a success of the Copenhagen conference and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.

Last round of UN climate talks before Copenhagen kicks off in Barcelona

The latest round of UN talks on climate change has kicked off in Barcelona, with delegates from nearly 180 countries in attendance.

The 5th meeting will be the last UN session before December's climate conference in Copenhagen that aims to seal a new deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

Chinese vice premier meets New Zealand PM

China and New Zealand have agreed to actively explore new ways to advance cooperation between the two countries.

The consensus was reached during talks between visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

The two countries signed a labor market agreement on Monday, under which the New Zealand government would ease restrictions on Chinese workers seeking temporary jobs in the island nation.

Afghan run-off election canceled, Karzai wins election

The Afghan Independent Election Commission has canceled Saturday's presidential run-off vote, announcing President Hamid Karzai winner of the election.

The decision came after Karzai's top challenger Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from the race.

Abdullah's campaign has rejected the decision, saying Karzai's presidency is illegitimate.

US President Barack Obama has called Karzai to congratulate his victory, saying it's time for the United States and Afghanistan to " write a new chapter based on improved governance."

ASEAN-U.S. meeting to discuss disaster control, flu prevention

Thailand's Foreign Ministry says the summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in mid-November will discuss topics such as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disaster management, and A/H1N1 flu control.

The summit, scheduled for November 15 in Singapore, will be co-chaired by U.S. President Barack Obama and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the current ASEAN Chairman.

It follows the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum leaders' meeting.

Also at the summit, the two sides will discuss a ASEAN-US Free Trade Agreement.

Ministry disproves rumor on vaccination-caused A/H1N1 outbreak in Beijing

China's Ministry of Health has dismissed an online rumor that the recent A/H1N1 influenza outbreak in Beijing was caused by vaccination among students taking part in the country's National Day celebration.

A ministry spokesman said the rumor violates scientific theories and does not consist with the truth. He noted that no epidemic outbreak would occur among people who have already been given vaccination, since the vaccine was proved to be effective.

Draft regulation issued to promote govt transparency

Chinese government bodies failing to publicize information which is legally required to be made public may face lawsuits, according to a draft regulation issued by the country's supreme court.

Under the draft, the public can file a lawsuit if they object to the government practice of not publicizing information.

The draft regulation, published on web to seek public advice and suggestions, is believed to be a major move to help improve transparency of government work in the country.

Engine model of China's home-made jetliner on show

The engine model of China's home-grown jetliner C919 is put on show in Shanghai, signaling a step forward in the research of the airplane.

The model is exhibited at the China International Industry Fair, where the Aviation Industry Corporation of China announced its plan to establish a turbofan designing system by 2010.

The engine is expected to match the C919, China's largest domestically manufactured jetliner that is expected to take off in 2016.

Google admits to scanning books under Chinese copyright protection

Internet search engine Google has admitted to having scanned more than 20,000 books under Chinese copyright protection.

The China Daily reports that Google has been in negotiations with China's copyright watchdog for scanning works for its online library without permission.

The U.S. company emphasized the Chinese books they scanned were from U.S. libraries and some of them were available for public use. But it also admitted at least 20,000 books were under China's copyright protection.

More than 50 writers have signed a letter of protest demanding an apology from Google and compensation.