"Yuan exchange rate not to blame."

US politicians have long alleged that the Renminbi exchange rate is a key factor behind the trade imbalance between China and the US. However, at a seminar held by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C., participants rejected this idea, saying history has proven that China does not manipulate the exchange rate of the yuan.

Premier Wen: This is trade protectionism.

"What I don´t understand is depreciating one´s own currency and pressing other countries to appreciate their currencies for the sole purpose of increasing their trade. In my opinion, this is trade protectionism."

Poor quality tops consumer complaints

Today, March 15th, is World Consumer Rights Day. Statistics from China Consumers´ Association shows that during 2009, product quality was still the top issue which consumers had complained.
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China´s Civil Aviation Administration orders checks on Boeing 737s

China´s Civil Aviation Administration has issued an "Emergency Airworthiness Directive" to impose compulsory safety checks on Boeing 737s. The directive follows a similar check issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration on March the 12th.
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BITF reveals Hainan tourism declaration

After two ministerial roundtable discussions, world tourism officials in Sanya have officially issued the Hainan Tourism Declaration.
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Soil & dust brought by sandstorms blanket Beijing

The sandstorm is indeed making life more difficult. Visibility is limited to just a few hundred meters, and the whole city is covered with a blanket of dust. Experts say it is better to spend this weekend indoors.

People

Pianist Li Yundi released Chopin nocturnes

In London, Li Yundi, an accomplished young pianist from China, is releasing the "Complete Nocturnes of Chopin," to mark the 200th anniversary of the Polish composer´s birth.The series is Li´s first collaboration with music company EMI.

April 5th -- Qingming Festival

April 5th marks the beginning of the Qingming Festival, on China´s lunar calendar. The festival is a time to remember loved ones who have passed away or pay respects to ancestors, and to enjoy Spring and nature. Let´s look at how they celebrate in central China´s Henan province.