Promising initial tests of new rice strains with high potential for farmers have spurred biotechnologists to press ahead with the search for transgenic rice strains that are disease resistant

DESPITE continuing criticism from ecologists, work has started on the Three Gorges Dam along the Yangtze river in China, the world's largest hydroelectric project. The project includes a

Extensive domestic use of coal in China has led to an increase in the incidence of respiratory illnesses, which are now among the leading causes of death in the country

The Chinese people may resent the restrictions, but the government has to crack down on trafficking in products from rhinos and tigers or else suffer US trade sanctions.

THE UNITED Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) may quit China, the most populous country in the world, following indications that China is planning a harsh family planning drive in the

WHILE Washington continues to maintain there is no proof that China is exporting nuclear missile technology to Pakistan, US intelligence says it has proof China shipped components to Pakistan that

DISDAINING short-term profits for long-term moral principles, jeans giant Levi Strauss is pulling out of China, even as other US corporations scramble to get in. The reason: Levi Strauss considers

MORE THAN one-third of China's population suffers from iodine deficiency and two provinces, Xinjiang and Jiangxi, are the worst hit. Five million Chinese are said to be mentally retarded and children

The Beijing conference saw discussions on the second phase of the Global Environment Facility, which is expected to finance implementation of the climate and biodiversity conventions.