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REAL ESTATE

Housing Prices in 70 Cities up 9.1% in September

The National Bureau of Statistics has released real estate information on the first three quarters of 2010. The information shows that in September the housing prices of 70 large and mid-size cities have gone up by 9.1 percent, a 0.2 percent decrease in increase rate compared to August.

Beijing Business News | 2010-10-18

LANGUAGE

Regulations Unifying Pinyin Spelling of Names to be Launched

Ministry of Education Language Information Management Bureau Chief Li Yuming stated yesterday that regulations unifying the pinyin spelling of names will soon be launched. These regulations will require family names to be written first followed by given names.

The Beijing News | 2010-10-18

POLLUTION

1611 Coal Mines Shut Down in First Three Quarters of 2010

According to the National Energy Bureau, China has shut down 1,611 coal mines and eliminated 135.49 million tons in backward production capacity in the first three quarters of this year. The mine closures have reached 88% of the total reduction target. The board says it will continue efforts to phase out outdated mining facilities.

Chinese Economy Online | 2010-10-18

GOVERNMENT

The 17th CPC Central Committee’s Fifth Plenary Session Opens Discussions about 1...

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee convenes today and will continue until October 18th. CPC leaders will begin outlining the 12th Five Year Plan, a blueprint for future social and economic development. The plan will focus on boosting domestic consumption, the future economic development of Hong Kong, and other issues. SourceChina News Service Google Translation

China News Service | 2010-10-15

TRANSPORTATION

Beijing to Release Policies Aimed at Encouraging Residents to Drive Less

At a recent meeting of the Beijing Municipal Standing Committee, participants discussed the need to ease traffic congestion and said that in the future, among other policy initiatives, priority would be given to the development of public transport along with increased efforts to encourage people to use alternate "green" transportation options.

The Beijing News | 2010-10-15

INTERNET

Ministry of Culture Refutes Virtual Vegetable Theft Ban Rumors

On October 13 the Department of Cultural Market Administration of China’s Ministry of Culture denied rumors of a possible ban on the stealing vegetable function on online farming games. The rumor quickly spread online leading to an outcry among internet users who strongly opposed the ban.

Guangzhou Daily | 2010-10-15

LAW

Shaanxi Provincial Government Under Investigation in Illegal Land Use Case

Yesterday, the Ministry of Land and Resources announced its investigation into 6 cases of illegal corporate land use. The Ministry has already decided to fine automakers BYD 2.95 million yuan for illegal land use in its Xian site. Several officials in the Shaanxi Provincial government have been reprimanded and further investigations are pending.

Guangzhou Daily | 2010-10-14