China's new generation trainer aircraft makes public appearance

A L15 Falcon advanced trainer aircraft is taking off on Apr 3, 2006. The new generation trainer aircraft Falcon L15 developed by Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry Co., Ltd made public appearance on that day. Adopting many new technologies, the dual-seat dual-engine aircraft features advanced aerodynamic configuration, highly integrated avionics system, and the most advanced fly-by-wire flight control system in China. It can be used in fundamental training or serve as companion trainer in tactics training.

German, Polish security forces drill for World Cup

Members of the police special action force assault a mock "hostage" hideout during a drill at a shooting range of Lubuskie province in Poland, April 3, 2006. Polish and German joint police troops started a 5-day drill on Monday aimed at preventing crowd trouble during this summer's World Cup finals held in Germany.

Potala Palace embraces Spring

Photo taken on April 3 shows the Potala Palace and weeping willow set each other off beautifully. Warm and colourful spring returns to Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region in March every year. Thanks to the efforts by local government, the afforestation work in the region has been well carried forward, making Lhasa a green city full of vigour.

Mountians loom through floating clouds

Photo taken on April 2, 2006 shows a beautiful rural view of Shitan of Xiakeng township, Shexian County in east China's Anhui Province. The village, fields and mountains loom through floating clouds after rain on April 2.

Swimsuits show in ancient town

Contestants to the Miss Tourism International contest in China region presents swimsuits in the ancient town of Xitang, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 3, 2006.

Thunderstorms unleash fury against America West

A woman shows her despair over her home destroyed by thunderstorms in the state of Tennessee, April 3. Strong thunderstorm unleashed fury against states in central and western US on April 2, with strong wind and tornado claiming at least 19 lives. The thunderstorm-hit areas suffered from blackout and houses demolition.

American hostage Jill Carroll released unharmed

The freed American freelance journalist Jill Carroll (L1) reunited with her family in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 2. Nearly three months after she was abducted in Baghdad, the 28-year-old freelancer was released unharmed on Mar. 30. Carroll united with her family when she returned home.

China completes radio telescope for moon probe

The main part of a high-tech radio telescope which will serve China's moon-probe project was completed on April 3, 2006. Located on top of the 2000-meter-tall Mountain Phoenix in eastern suburb of Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province, the 45-meter tall telescope weighs 400 tons and measures 40 meters in diameter of the antenna. Test and adjustment of the telescope will be completed in June.

Iran holds military maneuver

Vessels of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps are in military maneuver held in the Gulf on April 3, 2006. Iran started the one-week-long military maneuver on March 31, involving 17,000 soldiers and 1,500 vessels of various sizes.

Iran test-fires new torpedo during military maneuver

Iran test-fired a new torpedo successfully in the military maneuver held in the Gulf, Iran's state television reported Monday. The new ship-launched torpedo is capable of destroying any vessels on and under the surface of water in any depth, said the state television report, terming it is "the most dangerous naval weapon."

Black swans give birth to 5 cygnets

The photo taken on April 3, 2006, shows black swans and their cygnets at Donghu Aves Park in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province. The 5 cygnets were born on April 1, after natural incubation by black swans for 38 days. It is infrequent that 5 cygnets were hatched out at one time, according to an aves expert.

Hu meets with Turkmenistan counterpart in Beijing

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov walk past the guard of honour during a welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, April 3, 2006. Niyazov is on a six-day visit to China.

Yao Ming scored 33 with 16 rebounds as Rockets lose

Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming (L) reaches for a rebound as Lakers' center Kwame Brown watches aside at Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday, April 2, 2006. Lakers won 104-88.

Oxford wins the 152nd University Boat Race

A member (L) of Oxford crew holds the trophy to celebrate winning the 152nd University Boat Race against Cambridge on the River Thames April 2, 2006. Oxford won their fourth victory in the last five encounters with 18 minutes and 26 seconds.

Chinese premier meets Australian counterpart

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) and Australian Prime Minister John Howard smile at a press conference after their meeting in Canberra April 3, 2006. Wen arrived here Sunday to continue his official trip to Australia, the first leg of his four-nation Asian-Pacific tour.

Memorial ceremony for Chinese labors died in WWI

Michel Letocard (R), mayor of Noyelle, attends the ceremony in Nolette city of the dead in Noyelle of France, April 2, 2006. With the traditional Chinese Tomb-sweeping Day drawing near, overseas Chinese in France gathered here Sunday and held a memorial ceremony for more than 800 Chinese laborers died during World War I in France.