The Xiaolangdi Water-Control Project was officially hailed a success this week after eight years as a pilot operation. The project is the most difficult ever built on the world's muddiest natural waterway, the Yellow River. It was completed in 2001 at a cost of 35.2 billion yuan ($5.1 billion), and dealt with heavy floods and high sedimentation. A panel of experts and officials said it was now ready for a safe run.

Chavez in Beijing, praises Chinese economy

Visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says China is leading the world out of the financial crisis. In a meeting Thursday with President Hu Jintao, Chavez described China as the "biggest engine driving the world". Hu said China attached great importance to its relationship with Venezuela. The two countries should further their trade cooperation in areas including energy and agriculture to weaken the impact of the financial crisis, he said.

US to attend group nuclear talks with Iran

The Obama administration said Wednesday it will participate directly in group talks with Iran over its suspect nuclear program. This shows another significant shift from President George W. Bush's policy, who generally shunned such meetings. The State Department said the United States would be at the table "from now on". Senior diplomats from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany will soon meet with Iranian officials.

GM to double China sales over 5 years

General Motors Corporation, which is still struggling for survival amid the global industry downturn, has set an ambitious target in China. Based on profitable operations in the country, it will double its Chinese auto sales over the next five years and launch a slew of new models. Despite stumbling on the edge of bankruptcy in the US, GM still sees China as the most important growth market in the world.

Death toll in Italy earthquake rises to 287

Rescuers removed three more bodies from a collapsed university dormitory in central Italy Thursday, raising the death toll to 287. At least seven students died in the dormitory. Aftershocks have hampered the race to dig possible survivors out of the debris, and funerals are now taking place for the victims. The quake has left over 29 ,000 people homeless and tent camps are providing shelter for thousands of survivors. The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI would visit the affected area sometime after Easter Sunday. The 6.3-magnitude quake hit L'Aquila and several towns in central Italy, leveling buildings and reducing entire blocks to piles of rubble and dust.

Trapped miners confirmed dead

All 12 miners trapped underground at a coalmine in Heilongjiang province have been confirmed dead, a senior official said Thursday. The workers were victims of a flood that occurred at Jinli Coalmine in Jixi city at about 5:30 am on Saturday. State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) spokesman Huang Yi described the accident as one involving "liability". The mine was operating illegally, as it had not been authorized by safety inspectors after production was halted in January. "The mine did not strictly follow water drainage rules," Huang said, adding the incident remained under investigation. Each victim's family will receive at least 200,000 yuan ($29,000) in compensation.

Sichuan Quake victims mourned

Victims of the May 12 Sichuan Earthquake were honored across the nation on Tomb-Sweeping Day. Mourners placed incense, candles and bouquets of flowers at ruins and tombstones in Beichuan County. Several people prayed and burned offerings for loved ones who lost their lives in the tragedy, which claimed over 69,000 lives. A memorial ceremony was held on April 3 by Fujian Aiding Group for the reconstruction of Sichuan. So far, 47 package projects have been launched and ten have been completed.