China will launch the Chang'e-3 lunar probe at 1:30 a.m. Monday in Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

This will be the first time for China to send a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body and conduct surveys on the moon. 

Facilities at the launching site are in good conditions and preparations for the launch are going well, according to the headquarters. 

Chang'e-3 comprises a lander and a moon rover called "Yutu" (Jade Rabbit). The lunar probe will land on the moon in mid-December if everything goes according to plan.

 

China urges India not to complicate border issue

China has urged India to refrain from moves that complicates boundary issues and work with China to create conditions for talks.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the comment when asked about Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh" over the past two days. 

Qin Gang said China's stance on the disputed area on the eastern part of the China-India border is consistent and clear. 

He hopes India can work with China to protect the overall relationship, preserve peace and tranquility on the border.

 

Mozambique says plane crash kills 33, national mourning planned

A Brazil-made brand-new Mozambique Airlines passenger aircraft has crashed into remote lush forests in northern Namibia, killing 27 passengers and 6 crew on board.

This has been confirmed by authorities of the both countries . 

The toll is slightly different from the information given by Namibian investigators, who said there were 34 people on board the plane when it crashed on Friday afternoon and that there was no sign of survivors. 

The victims include a Chinese national.

Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Li Chunhua told Xinhua that the Chinese victim was a 30-year-old businessman who came from Angola to Mozambique recently for business opportunities with friends.

 

Death toll rises to eight after police helicopter crash in Scotland

The number of the killed rose to eight after a police helicopter late Friday crashed into a pub in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.

Police say a rescue and recovery operation is continuing at the premises, which suggests that people may still be trapped in the building, adding that 14 people remain seriously injured in hospitals in Glasgow. 

The police are undertaking a major investigation along with the air accident investigation branch to find the cause of the crash.

 

One killed, several injured in deadly street protest in Bangkok

At least one man has died and five others injured as anti-government protests in the Thai capital Bangkok turned violent late on Saturday.

The shooting on Saturday night occurred after scattered violence during the day.

The anti-government demonstrators are seeking to topple Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

Norh Korea authorities release video said to show detained US citizen reading apology

North Korea's state media said on Saturday that Merrill Newman, an elderly US tourist detained for more than a month has apologised for alleged crimes during the Korean War and for "hostile acts" against the state during a recent trip.

There was no direct comment from 85-year-old Merrill Newman, and his alleged apology, which was dated November 9, couldn't be independently confirmed.

 

President Xi stresses fight against HIV/AIDS

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for legal and scientific prevention and control of HIV/AIDS as well as various social support for carriers and patients.

Xi Jinping made the remarks in a recent written instruction on the country's anti-HIV/AIDS work before the World AIDS Day, which falls on Sunday. 

He says the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS concerns people's life and health and social harmony and stability and is the obligatory responsibility of the Party and the government. 

Xi Jinping urged Party and government organs at all levels to step up the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 

Blast in NE China chemical plant kills 2

A chemical plant blast in northeast China's Shenyang City of Liaoning Province has killed two people.

Local authorities say the blast happened Saturday night at Shenyang Sanmu Chemical Company. One of the three people working at the scene escaped the blast.

The cause of the blast is under investigation.

 

China launches preferred stock trial

China has decided to launch a trial for preferred stocks to meet actual demand.

A guideline about the trial was released Saturday by the State Council.

A China Securities Regulatory Commission spokesman says the preferred stock trial will lead to many positive results, such as boosting companies' direct financing activities, helping commercial banks innovate their capital products, meeting the diversified needs of investors and facilitating the mergers and acquisitions among enterprises.

He adds the commission will make relevant rules based on the cabinet guideline and solicit public opinion soon.

 

China sets up association to promote circular economy

China Association of Circular Economy (CACE) was set up Saturday to promote the growth of circular economy.

The association, with members including government officials, academicians and entrepreneurs, will serve as a platform for amassing strengths from different participants in the industry, promoting the idea of recycling and daily practice, and contributing to the nation's efforts to develop the green economy.