September 17, 2007
Today’s top headline in the Beijing Times is about China’s first lunar exploration project – Chang’e I. Deputy Director Sun Laiyan of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense said that the rocket has been moved to Xichang launching base. He predicted that it would be launched before the end of year.
The front page shows an plane explosion at the Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand. The death toll has reached 88 so far, with 42 persons injured. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Other headlines include:
• Two city patrol captains are suspected of being involved in blackmail schemes in Beijing;
• Certain city blocks in Beijing will be bus-only on September 22, “No Cars Day”;
• The city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, has instituted a regulation to give the government 50% of any profits realized from the sale of affordable housing. This is an attempt to stem speculation and “flipping” of homes that are intended to provide housing for low-income residents.