Premier vows better living conditions for scientists

Premier Wen (L) visits computer scientist Li Guojie, in Beijing, Nov. 1. Wen Jiabao said the state will strive to create better working and living conditions for scientists.

25th Chrysanthemum Exhibition in Beijing

Visitors admire chrysanthemum flowers during the 25th Chrysanthemum Exhibition in the Beihai Park in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2004. Almost 10,000 pots of chrysanthemum flowers of more than 500 varieties are displayed in the 22-day exhibition, opened on Nov. 1.

Premier Wen visits Chinese Science Academy

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) visits the Chinese Science Academy on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding of the academy, in Beijing Nov. 1, 2004.

Dal Lake in India-controlled Kashmir busy vegetable market

Vegetable planters and vendors trade on boats on the Dal Lake in Srinagar, India-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 1, 2004. Local farmers ship fresh vegetables here early every day, making the lake a busy market.

2nd Chinese-donated school delivered to Afghanistan

Chinese diplomat Ma Mingqiang (L2) exchanges the delivery agreement with an Afghan official during the delivery ceremony of a school built with Chinese aid in the Bagram District of Parwan Province, Nov. 1, 2004. Built with a fund of 100,000 US dollars donated by people in south China's Guangdong Province, the school makes it possible for about 2,000 Afghan children in Bagram to go to school. It is the second school constructed with aid offered by China.

Rogge visits Great Wall

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge (L) visits the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2004. Rogge leading a number of IOC officials is in Beijing to assess the progress of Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Expedition ship leaves HK for South Pole

China's polar expedition ship "Xue Long" leaves the Victoria Bay in Hong Kong, south China, for the South Pole Nov. 1, 2004. With 137 members of the exploration team on board, "Xue Long" began its 21st trip to the South Pole from Shanghai, east China, on Oct. 25. The exploration team will spend 150 days in the South Pole to do a series of scientific survey.

International air show held in S. China

A member of China's "August 1" parachute jump team is in action during a performance at the Fifth Chinese International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, a city in south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 1, 2004. Thirty-two countries and regions participated in the week-long show, opened on Monday.

Wu Bangguo meets with Kenyan Vice President

Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori (R) meets with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 1, 2004. Wu was on an official goodwill visit to Kenya.

Bush, Kerry squeeze every hour to campaign

U.S. President George W. Bush gives a thumbs up as he takes to the stage at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, November 1, 2004. Bush and Democratic Sen. John Kerry are making a final push through a handful of crucial swing states today in a last-ditch hunt for the votes that could break open a deadlocked race for the White House.

Rogge, Hu hold talks, Olympic press center opened

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Nov. 1, 2004.