The opening of the Qinghai-Tibet railway set lots of records. It is the world's highest railway and the longest built on a plateau; Kunlun Mountain Tunnel is the world's longest tunnel built on frozen earth; and Tanggula Railway Station is the highest railway station in the world. Any of these records is well worth our praise. Most importantly, the railway is expected to bring prosperity to Tibet by linking the plateau with more developed areas.
Ringing out the Year of France in 2005, we ushered in the Year of Russia in China in 2006. In addition to a number of exchanges and high-level visits, the Year of Russia offered a good opportunity for Chinese people to get to know more about Russian culture. Perhaps CRI gained an even deeper understanding by organizing the Sino-Russian Friendship Tour, through which reporters from the Chinese media got to see Russian culture close up by driving across the vast country and conducting interviews on stopovers. Click here for a panorama view of the event.
Many regions in China were gripped by severe natural disasters this summer. While Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were hit by Typhoon Saomai, parts of southwestern China were enduring their worst drought in more than half a century. In an effort to provide assistance, the Chinese government allocated 120 million yuan or 15.2 million U.S. dollars to the devastated regions.
The relationship between China and southeast Asian nations is a good example of just how well neighbors can get along. This November, the two neighbors gathered in southern China to celebrate the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Much closer ties are expected in the coming years.
Now the highest ranking Chinese official in the United Nations, Dr. Margaret Chan got acknowledged for her outstanding capabilities and was elected unanimously to serve as director-general of the World Health Organization. The former health chief of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said, "You can be sure that I will work tirelessly and keep my ears open to all voices, and my heart committed to the populations of your countries."
Also a move to protect Intellectual Property Rights, however, the introduction of KTV copyright fees met with obstacles during implementation. Controversy over whether consumers should pay for the copyright fees was sparked by price hikes in local KTV bars. There remains a long road ahead before the issue is finally settled, as questions like how much should be charged and who should pay for the fees still remain.
It is unprecedented for 41 heads of state to all be present in one city at the same time. But the significance of the China-Africa Summit extends far beyond its fest of personalities. Its value lies in setting the stage for the friendship and cooperation between China and African countries to blossom, ensuring an even brighter future.
IThe first cross-strait charter flights for the Mid-Autumn Festival touched down at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport on September 29. It was a step forward following the opening of charter flights for the Spring Festival and is believed to bring us even closer to the establishment of regular cross-strait air links.
In 2006, SK-II had its reputation as a beauty enhancing product utterly transformed by a health warning. The high-end cosmetics line produced by P&G sparked a health scare throughout Asia after China reported 12 of its products contained chemicals with potential health risks in September. Two months later, sales of SK-II products were resumed in some parts of China, but can they regain the trust of consumers?
IThis year marks the 70th anniversary of the successful Long March. A grand ceremony was held in Beijing to commemorate the event. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Hu Jintao said, "This great historic event is the pride of members of the Chinese Communist Party, the glory of the Chinese army and the pride of the Chinese nation."
In a great effort to protect Intellectual Property Rights and crack down on piracy, the Chinese government launched a nationwide hundred-day anti-piracy campaign in July. The campaign was only one of a series of IPR protection activities held during the year. China also released in April its plan of action for IPR protection, detailing specific actions to combat the widespread problem. Both moves demonstrated China's strong determination and commitment to curbing piracy.
