Robotic-bird technology developed in Shandong

Robotic-bird technology has recently been developed at the Shandong University of Science and Technology. With nerves controlled by artificial electronic signals, animals will, in effect, be robotic.

Nation marks World Consumer Rights Day

A general view shows the fake cigarette set on fire ahead of the World Consumer Rights Day in Yuncheng, North China's Shanxi Province, March 14, 2007. Over 44 percent of consumers had been "seriously violated," according to a recent survey by China Consumers' Association.

CPPCC session ends in Beijing

Some members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference pose for a photo outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing 15, 2007. The annual CPPCC session ended Thursday, calling for more efforts in building a harmonious society and fighting against de jure independence of Taiwan.

Philippine police kill hostage-taker at city court

Hostage taker Almario Villegas attempts to climb out a window while holding a pistol and a grenade at a court house in Taguig City March 14, 2007. A hostage-taker was shot dead on Wednesday by Philippine police in Taguig City, southeast of the capital region, local TV reported.

Miss Israel beauty pageant held in Haifa

Liron Cohaner poses after winning the Miss Israel beauty pageant in the northern city of Haifa March 13, 2007.

Li Na powers into last four at Pacific Life Open

Li Na of China hits a forehand to Russia's Vera Zvonareva during their match at the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, March 14, 2007.Li Na staged a huge rally after 5-1 down in the second set to defeat Russian 15th seed Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the Pacific Life Open.

Conrad Black goes on trial for fraud

Conrad Black leaves the Dirksen federal court building in Chicago, March 14, 2007, for the first day of jury selection. Black, who once presided over one of the world's largest media empires, is on trial to determine if he and his associates stole millions of dollars as his conglomerate crumbled.

ElBaradei: DPRK wants to come back as IAEA member

Mohamed ElBaradei (L), head of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrives at the airport in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), March 13, 2007. ElBaradei said in Beijing Wednesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) wanted to come back as a member of the IAEA.

CPPCC holds closing meeting of annual session

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the closing meeting of the Fifth Session of the Tenth CPPCC National Committee in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 15, 2007. The Fifth Session of the Tenth CPPCC National Committee closed here Thursday.

Two JF-17 Thunder fighter jets arrive in Pakistan for test

Two JF-17 Thunder military aircraft have arrived in Pakistan for further flight tests and evaluation by the Pakistan Air Force. The JF-17 Thunder aircraft, an advanced multi-role Light Combat Aircraft, has been jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It will make its debut in Islamabad on March 23.

Billionaire trained for space flight

Hungary-born Charles Simonyi of the U.S., a former software developer at Microsoft, waves as he practises a helicopter evacuation procedure at the Star City space centre outside Moscow March 13, 2007. Simonyi is due to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS) from Baikonur cosmodrome on board a Soyuz TMA-10 rocket in spring.

Top advisory body prepares for closing annual session

Jia Qinglin (4th L, front row), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the 17th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Tenth National Committee of the CPPCC in Beijing, capital of China, March 14, 2007.