Beijing [Beijing]

8 giant pandas arrive in BJ for recovering feed Beijing, May 22 -- China South Airline Co. Ltd sent 8 giant pandas from Sichuan to Beijing for revering feed, according to Xinhua.

Ministry of Commerce: Quake has no major impact on China's exports BEIJING, May 22 -- Commerce minister Chen Deming said on Thursday that the 8.0-magnitude earthquake had no major impact on exports or movement of commodities, except some disaster relief materials such as tents, according to Xinhua. Chen said China had more room for maneuvering as it's a big country. But he admitted that for such items as tents, which the quake-stricken regions were in dire need of, the ministry was discussing the delivery issue with relevant foreign buyers.

Donations from UNESCO reach $50,000 BEIJING, May 22 - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved on May 21 to offer China 50,000 US$ to help China's quake relief efforts, according to CNS. The donation is aimed to rebuild the education system in quake-hit areas, and UNESCO expressed its deep sorrow to quake victims.

CFPA: Donations exceed 240m yuan BEIJING, May 22 - By May 22, China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) has received donations totalling over 240 million yuan, according to Sina. Among them, money donations total 120,478,200 yuan, while relief materials donations amount to 120,835,000 yuan.

4,929 spots with hidden geological calamities found in 41 counties Beijing, May 22 - The Information Office of the State Council held a press conference this afternoon to brief the situation of preventing earthquake-induced disasters. Yuan Xiaosu, vice minister of the Ministry of Land and Resources said according to the aerospace remote sensing information and primary analyses of experts, Wenchuan earthquake was characterized by its wide coverage, depth, severe damage and long consistence. Through inspection, it turns out that there are 4,929 spots with hidden geological calamities that could cause grave casualty and landslides and mudslides, thus threatening 940,000 people in 41 counties, according to Chinanews.com.

PLA highly praised by foreign media BEIJING, May 22 – Foreign media paid continuous attention to China's earthquake relief in a series of military operations over the past few days. They said PLA played a crucial role in disaster relief actions, according to CNR. Austria News said that no country's military in the world could deal with disasters as rapidly as the Chinese army.

USAID to donate rescue equipment to China quake zone BEIJING, May 21 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing more than 815,000 U.S. dollars in additional disaster relief assistance to China, according to Xinhua.

Chinese defense minister thanks Japan for quake aid BEIJING, May 21 -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie Wednesday expressed gratitude for Japan's aid to China for rescue and relief efforts in quake-hit Sichuan Province, according to Xinhua.

15 satellites of 9 types used for quake relief BEIJING, May 21 -- State Administration of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense declared on May 21st that thanks to the advantage of high technology, it made special contribution to quake relief work. By now 15 satellites of 9 types have been used for quake relief, according to Chinanews.com.

100 injured to recieve medical treatment in Beijing BEIJING, May 21 -- 100 injured people in Sichuan earthquake will be transported to Beijing for further treatment, Deng Xiaohong, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Health Bureau, said in an interview. However, the final list of receiving hospitals has not been decided yet, according to The First.

CEA send over 100 to monitor quake area Beijing, May 21 --China Earthquake Administration has sent over 100 people to monitor quake-intensive areas and set up more than 60 quake monitoring centers, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Premier: quake not to change fundamentals of economy BEIJING, May 21 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Wednesday that the May 12 earthquake had added new uncertain factors to the nation's economy but the fundamentals of the economy remain unchanged, according to Xinhua.

Rain in quake-hit areas on 5.21 and 5.22 BEIJING, May 21 -- According to Weather Information Services, it will rain in Sichuan, southern Gansu and southern Shaanxi on May 21 and 22. The weather in these areas will be cloudy with high temperature in daytimes on May 23rd and 24th. Polluted water and environment are needed to be disinfected to prevent diseases, according to Xinhua Net.

Premier Wen: 70 bln yuan for reconstruction of quake-hit regions BEIJING, May 21 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced here on Wednesday the central government will allocate 70 billion yuan this year for the establishment of a reconstruction fund for the quake-hit regions. He also pledged to arrange funds for the reconstruction in next two years, according to Xinhua.

Western Australia offers AUD 1 mln for China quake BEIJING, May 21 - The Western Australian government announced on Wednesday that it will offer one million Australian dollars (0.95 million US dollars) to help China's earthquake relief efforts, according to Xinhua.

UN offers $8 mln aid to China's quake-hit areas BEIJING, May 21 - The United Nations offered eight million US dollars aid to China's quake-hit province of Sichuan on Wednesday, according to Xinhua.

Kids from quake-hit areas to arrive in Beijing BEIJING, May 21 - "The Caring Parents" project launched after the earthquake has enabled some kids from the quake-hit areas to live in temporary families in Beijing, according to the Beijing News. More than 1200 families have volunteered to take care of those kids, but they have to go through several strict interviews. The list of those kids will be released by the end of May.

State Drug Administration announces most needed medicines for quake-hit areas BEIJING-On May 20th, State Drug Administration announced a list of medicines and disinfection supplies needed most in quake-hit areas, including 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4, Sodium chloride injection 500ML, and Penicillin, according to Xinhua.

UN Security Council mourns quake victims UNITED NATIONS, May 20 -- Members of the Security Council of UN observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of Sichuan earthquake as they begin a meeting on May 20, 2008, according to Xinhua.

98.6% of the public satisfied with government's relief efforts BEIJING, May 20 -- A survey conducted by Central University of Finance and Economics shows that 98.6% of the interviewees are satisfied with the relief efforts China's governemt has made during Wenchuan earthquake, Jinghua Times reports. The University gets the conclusion after interviewing 620 people in Beijing over phone. Of which, 460 from downtown and 160 from Beijing suburbs.

Morocco to donate US$1 million to China Morocco, May 20 -- Morocco decides to donate 1 million US dollars to China's quake-hit Sichuan Province, Morocco Foreign Minister announced on Tuesday after signing condolence book in Chinese embassay to Morocco, Xinhua reports.

Ministry of Civil Affairs: Quake-hit areas need tents most BEIJING, May 20 - At the press conference held at 4:00 pm on May 20, Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs Jiang Li introduced the arrangements for quake-hit people and answered questions of journalists, according to Xinhua Net. Journalist from Zaobao of Singapore: What the quake-hit people need most? Official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs: they need tents most.

China recovers 30 radioactive sources buried in earthquake Beijing, May 20 - China has recovered 30 of the 32 radioactive sources buried in last Monday's earthquake, while the remained two have been located, a senior environmental official said on Tuesday, according to Xinhua News.

Beidou and Beijing Satellites help to rescue BEIJING, May 20 - A PLA team with Beidou No.1 satellite terminal equipment made their way to Wenchuan, through Merkang, Heishui, and Lixian area along No. 317 national high way. Also, Beijing No. 1 satellite helps the rescuing process according to Youth Reference. Beidou No. 1 satellite focuses on telecommunication and navigation, while Beidou Satellite primarily provides clear and multi-spectrum digital pictures of the disaster areas.

Foreign government officials mourn for quake victims BEIJING, May 20 - On May 19 and 20, many countries' government officials went to Chinese embassies in these countries to mourn the earthquake victims, according to CNS. Government officials of North Korea, Cote d'ivoire, Chile, Lebanon, Peru, Vietnem and Laos expressed their condolences to the quake victims and their family members.

Bank of America donates $500,000 to China quake relief fund NEW YORK, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Committee of 100 (C-100), an organization of prominent Chinese Americans, Monday received 500,000 U.S. dollars from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. "On behalf of Bank of America, we express our deepest sympathies and support for all the affected families and appreciate the efforts of organizations like the Committee of 100 for their dedicated work during this difficult time," president of the foundation Andrew D. Plepler said. "As the victims of this tragedy begin to rebuild their lives and their cities, they will need immediate assistance from individuals and organizations from around the world to address both their short- and long-term needs," he added. Chairman of C-100 Gen. John L. Fugh and Deputy Chairman Stewart Kwoh both expressed appreciation for Bank of America's "significant contribution," saying the bank "has been very supportive of Chinese American causes and improving U.S.-China relations." According to a press release by the C-100 Monday, the group has established a relief fund in the wake of the major earthquake which struck China on May 12. With the help of a charity organization Give2Asia, the C-100 Earthquake Relief Fund will aid the long-term recovery effort and direct assistance to restore basic services in the affected regions in China, the release said. Founded in 1989, the Committee of 100 is an independent, non-profit membership organization composed of Chinese American leaders in a broad range of professions.

UN Secretary-General expresses condolence to Sichuan earthquake victims BEIJING, May 20 – On May 19, the United Nations General Secretary-Ban Ki-moon came to the Chinese Mission to the United Nations to express his condolence to Sichuan earthquake victims, CNS reported. Ban Ki-moon wrote in Chinese on the condolence book : condolences to the China earthquake victims.

Li Ka-shing adds donation of 100 million RMB BEIJING, May 20 – Following the earlier contributions of 35 million yuan, Li Ka-shing Fund announced on May 19 that they will add another donation of 100 million yuan according to CNS. The fund will be used to help earthquake-affected students in Sichuan at all levels to subsidize their living expenses and tuition fees.

Premier: Reach all villages within 24 hours BEIJING, May 20 –Yesterday afternoon, Premier Wen Jiabao presided the 10th Earthquake Relief General Command meeting. He emphasized on following points: overcome all difficulties to enter all the villages within 24 hours. Medical, sanitation and epidemic prevention supplies cover all the disaster areas. Government will offer 600 yuan per month as basic living expenses for earthquake orphans and those have no kin and cannot support themselves, according to Xinhua.

Quality of drinking water in quake-hit areas monitored BEIJING, May 19 – Ministry of Health Press Office said yesterday that the Sichuan provincial health department has established report and notification system on the drinking water monitoring information in disaster-hit areas, the Beijing Times reported.

Banks banned to urge borrowers in quake zone Beijing, May 19 -- The People' Bank of China and the Bank Supervision Committee Monday called all the banks to take fully consideration of quake zone victims' real financial difficulties and do not urge them for any loans they've made, Jinghua Times reports.

Olympic pandas to arrive in Beijing as scheduled Beijing, May 20 -- Eight pandas selected from Wolong, Sichuan Province as Olympic pandas will reach Beijing as scheduled though the deadly earthquake stuck Sichuan severely affected Wolong National Natural Reserve and the pandas there. Now all the 8 pandas have been moved to Chengdu and will leave for Beijing on May 24, The First reports.

UK to send relief supplies worth 1m pounds again London, May 19 -- UK announced on Monday to provide China with another batch of relief goods worth 1 million pounds, China news reports.

First relief supplies from Iran Red Crescent Society left for China Beijing, May 20 -- First relief supplies from Iran Red Crescent Society left from Iran on May 19 local time for China, International Online reports.

China ready for foreign medical teams Beijing, 19th -- China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said foreign medical teams should contact China Red Cross as soon as possible to get the entry permit at a press conference. He added that foreign medical teams can also contact their embassies to China for inquiry.

People holding chrysanthemum at Tian'anmen Square BEIJING, May 19 - After mourning three minutes for the dead in the earthquake at 14:28 today, people were reluctant to leave the Tian'anmen Square, according to huanqiu.com. They held the national flag and chrysanthemum in hands and shouted out:"Go China!".

3-minute period in China mourns quake victims BEIJING - China has started a three-minute period to mourn the victims of the massive earthquake that hit Sichuan province. Horns and air sirens sounded at 2:28 p.m. Monday -- exactly one week after the quake splintered thousands of buildings and killed an estimated 50,000 people. The Chinese government has declared a three-day period of morning until midnight Wednesday to mourn the victims. Flags were flying at half-staff and public entertainment was canceled.

China starts first-ever national mourning for quake victims BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China starts a grandest national mourning on Monday, the first-ever of its kind for its commoners, to lament the deceased in the deadly quake that struck Sichuan province on May 12. At 4:58 a.m., the national flag at the Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing was lowered to half-mast after a complete flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony was attended by about 2,600 people. Many people, including some TV anchors, wore clothes in cold colors of white, blue and black, which symbolize sobriety and sadness in China, to show their respect to the more than 32,476 people already confirmed dead nationwide after the magnitude-8.0 quake. The government has put an estimated death toll at more than 50,000. "I have been watching TV to know the disaster situation these days," said Yu Huilin, a 58-year-old retired teacher, after observing the Tiananmen ceremony. Yu arrived in Beijing by bus in the early hours on Monday from eastern Shandong Province. "It's really heartrending," she said. "But I see the quake-affected people have got help from so many people. I believe they could recover from the disaster soon rebuild their homes." All national flags flew at half-mast at home since Monday on for three days and Chinese diplomatic missions abroad will do the same. Public recreational activities were also halted during the mourning period, including the Olympic torch relay. Monday marks the seventh day after the quake that killed more than 30,000. According to Chinese tradition, memorial ceremonies on the seventh day is especially important after a person's death, which were believed to help grant him a better afterlife. According to a State Council circular, at 2:28 p.m. Chinese citizens nationwide will stand in silence for three minutes to mourn for the victims, while air raid sirens and horns of automobiles, trains and ships will wail in grief. During the three minutes, the stock market will be temporarily closed. China's Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates around the world also opened condolence books for foreign diplomats and people around the world to express respect. The death toll from the massive quake rose to 32,476 nationwide as of 2 p.m. Sunday, while the injured numbered 220,109, according to the emergency response office under the State Council. Among the dead, 31,978 were in Sichuan alone with the rest in six other provinces and a municipality.

Foreign Ministry receives formal diplomatic condolences BEIJING, May 19 -- At 9:30 am on May 19, the Foreign Ministry began to officially receive condolences from foreign diplomatic envoys for Wenchuan earthquake victims, Xinhua news agency reported. The ambassador of Cote d'Ivoire was the first to sign his name on the condolence book.

Flag kept at half-mast at Tian'anmen Square Beijing, May 19 -- At 04:57:40 Monday morning, flag was kept at half-mast at Tian'anmen Square to mourn for the quake victims, China News reports. The State Council, the Cabinet, on Sunday ordered a nationwide display of respect for the dead. The Olympic torch relay will also be suspended from Monday to Wednesday, the Olympic organizing committee said.

Beijing hospitals dispatch 100 doctors to support quake-hit areas BEIJING, May 18—Beijing earthquake relief support team arrived at Chengdu airport at 2:44 am this morning with 100 medical workers from Beijing major hospitals, according to China.org. These medical workers are from Beijing Haidian, Chaoyan and other major hospitals, most of whom are volunteers. Some doctors were dressed in camouflage uniforms and equipped with field equipment. They were carrying a large number of anti-inflammatory drugs, medical gloves, masks and emergency medical supplies with them. They will join the local rescue team as soon as arrived.

Chinese artists to make joint efforts for disaster relief BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Around 200 Chinese artists appealed for united efforts from all art workers nationwide to help with disaster relief on Friday. Artists including noted actor Jiang Kun, composer Xu Peidong and singer Tan Jing made the appeal, after a 7.8-magnitude quake jolted Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province on May 12. The appeal says that since art is deeply rooted in the general public, art workers should make contribution, extend love and provide help to people when needed. It also states that the spirit of the quake-stricken people, as well as the courageous combat against the disaster, will enormously inspire their artistic creativity. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, more than 50,000 people were feared dead and the confirmed death toll in Sichuan alone was 19,509. China's domestic donations in both cash and goods to the quake-hit areas had hit 1.34 billion yuan (192 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday.

CNN president apologizes for Jack Cafferty's remarks on China BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) -- CNN President Jim Walton has apologized for the insulting remarks made by CNN commentator Jack Cafferty on China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said here on Thursday. "On behalf of CNN I'd like to apologize to the Chinese people for that," said Walton in a letter to Chinese ambassador to the United States Zhou Wenzhong, according to Qin. Walton also said, "CNN has the highest respect for Chinese people around the world and we have no doubt that there was genuine offense felt by them over the Jack Cafferty commentary." In early April, Cafferty said in a live show that Chinese products were "junk" and the Chinese were "basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years." As a result of complaints from China, CNN in April issued a statement saying "it was not Mr. Cafferty's nor CNN's intent to cause offense to the Chinese people, and CNN would apologize to anyone who has interpreted the comments in this way." At that time the network stated that Cafferty was offering his "strongly held" opinion of the Chinese government, not China's people. China rejected CNN's explanation. Chinese Foreign Ministry and the embassy in the United States lodged several solemn representations with CNN and demanded that it make an apology. People and organizations inside and outside China have also criticized Cafferty's "goons and thugs" comments. Cafferty's remarks are strongly in contrast to the professional ethics of the media and the conscience of humanity, and caused strong indignation and accusations from all Chinese people both at home and abroad, Qin said. "We hope CNN and Cafferty would learn lessons from this and safeguard their professional reputation to avoid such things from reoccurring," the spokesman said. He also hoped CNN would make "comprehensive, objective, and balanced reports" on China and Sino-U.S. relations and do more to help promote the mutual understanding of the two peoples and the healthy development of Sino-U.S. relations.