Haixun-31 undertakes maiden mission in South China Sea

Haixun-31, China's largest marine inspection vessel and its equipped helicopter during patrol in the sea area in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, March 23, 2005. Haixun-31 currently boasts largest displacement and most advanced equipment in China. The mission is the ship's first since it joined the patrol fleet in South China Sea one month ago.

Chinese offical wins Award for Prominent Figure in the US

Shan Jixiang, Director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China was conferred "Award for Prominent Figure in Planning Cause" at an annual meeting of the American Planning Association held in San Francisco March 23.

Bush meets Canadian,Miexican leaders

In a joint statement on the establishment of the new "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America", Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mexican President Vicente Fox said they had agreed to promote collaboration in energy, transportation, financial services and technology.

Pakistan Day celebrated throughout the country

Jets formate during the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2005. Pakistan Day was celebrated throughout the country Wednesday with military parade in Islamabad and other ceremonies to mark the 65th anniversary of Lahore Resolution passed by All India Muslim League on March 23, 1940.

EU summit closes in Brussels

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (1st R), Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker (2nd R) and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana (L) hold a press conference after the closing of the 2-day EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 23, 2005.

Israel closes the West Bank and Gaza Strip for Purim festivities

An Israeli soldier checks a Palestinian passing through the Galandiya Checkpoint, south of the West Bank city of Ramallah, March 23, 2005.

China raises gasoline price

A worker refuels a vehicle at a refueling station in Haikou, capital city of south China's island province of Hainan March 23, 2005. China, the world's second largest oil consumer after the United States, raised its retail benchmark rate for gasoline Wednesday by seven percent in response to soaring crude oil prices. Industry sources said the new rate is between 4,340 and 4,870 yuan per metric ton.

Moscow International Tourism Exhibition

Russian businesspersons talk with staff members at the booth of China International Travel Service in Moscow International Tourism Exhibition opened in Moscow, capital of Russia March 23, 2005. The exhibition area of Chinese stage is more than 100 square meters, which made a record. Visitors from Russia to China reached 1.8 million person-times, more than half of whom hold tourism visas in 2004.

Conference on "China miracle" held in New Delhi

Chinese ambassador to India Sun Yuxi addressed the "China Miracle" conference March 23 in New Delhi, India. Sponsored by the Indian Industrial Union, the conference is aimed to introduce China's experience of opening-up and reform to Indian, and promote Sino-Indian cooperation in investment, energy and trade.

Wu Bangguo meets with Madagascan top legislator

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, meets with Jean Rahiniriko, president of the National Assembly of Madagascar, in Beijing, China, March 23, 2005.