"National Unity Tripod" presented to mark Xinjiang's 50th birthday

Chinese central government delegation sent on Friday, September 30, 2005, a bronze tripod, a traditional Chinese sacrificial vessel symbolizing unity, to the government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the region's founding on Saturday, October 1, 2005.

China, Japan resume talks on disputed waters

Cui Tiankai (R), director of Asian Department of Chinese Foreign Ministry, shakes hands with Kenichiro Sasae, head of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of Japanese Foreign Ministry, before the third round of consultation on the East China Sea issue in Tokyo on Sept. 30, 2005.

Damage caused by Hurricane Rita

Photo taken on Sept. 29, 2005 shows telegraph poles damaged by Hurricane Rita, in Charles Lake, Louisiana, the United States, on Sept. 29, 2005. Hurricane Rita launched a fierce assault on Texas and Louisiana on Sept. 24, and left debris of buildings and plants in these areas. Police and the U.S. army blocked the entrances to these hurricane-stricken towns to strictly control the returning residents for the safety of the public and private properties in towns.

NBA Jam Van Tour in China's Beijing

A dancer from NBA New York Knicks Cheering Squad performs during the NBA Jam Van Tour to China in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2005. NBA Jam Van, the NBA's premiere interactive touring program, makes its first ever tour to China that covers 11 Chinese cities with Beijing as the last stop. The Chinese edition of the NBA Jam Van is a tailor-made truck which transforms into 600 square meters of free basketball activities allowing fans of all ages to play like the pros.

China celebrates 56th founding anniversary

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a speech at a reception marking the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, September 30, 2005. About 1,000 Chinese and foreign diplomats, scholars and people from all walks of life were present at the reception.