1st PPRD Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair opens

A viewfinder of a motorcycle exhibit reflects some visitors at the opening of the first Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province July 14, 2004.

Car bomb blast in Baghdad

United States troops stand guard in an area close to Iraqi government buildings and the US Embassy to Iraq in central Baghdad July 14, 2004. A car bomb blast occurred in the area earlier July 14, leaving seven people dead and 23 others wounded.

Jinshatan beach at Xinjiang

Tourist stroll along the Jinshatan Beach under the setting sun in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region July 11, 2004. Located to the northern bank of the Baghrash Lake, the largest inland fresh water lake in China, the Jinshatan Beach is over 2,000 meters long and 160 meters wide, attracting about 200,000 tourists from home and abroad annually.

Nightview of Shanghai

The photo taken on July 13, 2004 shows the splendid nightview of east China's metropolis Shanghai. The nightview lights and lamps in Shanghai will not be on when the highest temperature stands at 35 degrees centigrade and more during daytime to avoid power shortage. The highest temperature was 34 degrees centigrade on July 13.

Asian Cup 2004 in countdown

Chinese soccer players dressed in traditional costumes kick balls during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of the Asian Cup Soccer, at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, July 14, 2004. The Asian Cup, the continent's equivalent of the Copa America and Euro Championships, will kick off in China's capital on Saturday.

Teams of UAE and Jordan for Asian Cup 2004 arrive

The teams of the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, both in Group B in Asian Cup 2004, arrived in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province. They had their first adaptation trainings several hours later on that day respectively. Asian Cup 2004 will kick off in China on July 17 and end on August 7.

Teams for HK women's volleyball grand prix meet the press

Chinese women's volleyball team pose for photos. The four teams to compete in the international women's volleyball grand prix to be held in China's Hong Kong on July 16-18 meet the media on July 14.

Military Parade on French National Day

British Grenadier guards march on the Champs Elysees during France's annual Bastille Day military parade, in Paris, July 14, 2004. British military marched alongside French forces this year as part of the 100th anniversary of the 'entente cordiale' pact of Franco-British friendship.

State Council meeting on economy

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao addressed high-ranking officials at an executive meeting of State Council, China's cabinet, July 14, 2004. The meeting was held to report achievements of efforts to cool down its heated economy and plan the government's work during the second half of this year.

Top legislator meets Ethiopian counterpart

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, meets with Dawit Yohannes, speaker of the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing July 14, 2004.

Tiger cubs and dog mother

The picture shows two tiger cubs lying close to a female dog, their wet nurse, in the zoo in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province July 13, 2004. The two tiger cubs were left by their mother after birth. The zoo keepers sent the tiger cubs to the dog which has just gave birth to a puppy.

Chinese badminton line-up for Athens unveiled

Li Yongbo (C), head coach of Chinese badminton team at the press conference at which China's 18-member line-up for Athens Olympic Games was unveiled. Lin Dan, Bao Chunlai and veteran Chen Hong are on the list of men's singles while well-known Xia Xuanze set as substitute.

Well burst incident on trial

Three of those six people liable for last year's gas well burst accident are inquired on a trial in Wanzhou District of Chongqing, July 14, 2004. The accident, dubbed "12/23", killed 243 and injured over 4,000 in Kaixian County of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on December 23, 2003.

Annual trade fair kicks off in Guangzhou

Visitors try an automatic border inspection system at the Guangzhou fair Wednesday. Collaboration under the "9+2" framework agreement is yielding fruit, with the First Pan-Pearl River Delta (P-PRD) Regional Economic and Trade Fair kicking off Wednesday in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province.

France celebrates National Day

Jets trail red, white and blue smoke as they fly over the Avenue Champs Elysees in Paris as France celebrates its National Day July 14, 2004.