China's space station core module enters orbit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message for the successful launch of the core module of country's space station.

The core module has entered orbit.

The Tianhe module will act as the management and control hub of the space station Tiangong. It will be capable of docking with up to three spacecraft at a time for short stays, or two for long stays.

The space station will operate in the low-Earth orbit at an altitude from 340 to 450 kilometers.

China on Biden's address: U.S. should view competition with China rationally

China has urged the United States to view competition with China in a rational way.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin says China is committed to developing relationship with the U.S. featuring mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

He added that China is seeking peaceful coexistence rather than confrontation.

Wang spoke in response to U.S. President Joe Biden's remarks that he welcomes competition, but was not seeking conflict with China in his first address to Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office.

Online financial platforms urged to regulate operations

China's financial regulators have conducted talks with 13 major online platforms to discuss the latter's business practices.

The platforms are being urged to carry out their operations based on the principle of serving the wider economy and minimizing financial risk.

The regulators say they will show zero tolerance towards any illegal financial activities and will support the sound development of the country's online financial platforms.

China expects 265 mln passenger trips during May Day holiday

About 265 million domestic trips are estimated to be made by Chinese passengers during the May Day holiday.

The estimated figure represents an increase of 120 percent from the same period last year.

Departure passenger flows are expected to peak on the first day of the 5-day holiday with 58 million passenger trips.

China's population continues to grow in 2020: NBS

Figures from China's National Bureau of Statistics show that the country's population continued to grow in 2020.

Specific data will be released later in the 7th national population census bulletin.

The population census was launched in November last year.

China passes law against food waste

Chinese lawmakers have passed a bill on preventing food waste to ensure food security. 

Under the newly enacted law, restaurants or vendors could face a fine of up to 10,000 yuan, or over $1,500 U.S. dollars, for providing misleading information or inducing excessive food ordering. 

The law allows catering service providers to charge customers who leave excessive amounts of food, but rates for the charge must be clearly advertised.

A report based on nationwide field research shows that approximately 18 billion kilograms of food is wasted every year in China's urban catering industry.

China vows to promote Sino-German relations to higher level

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says China stands ready to work with Germany to promote the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

He made the remarks in Beijing when co-chairing the sixth China-Germany inter-governmental consultation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link.

He has called on China and Germany to enhance cooperation, promote fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and reject vaccine nationalism.

He says China stands ready to work with the E.U. to jointly promote the signing and entry into force of the China-EU investment agreement.

India allows import of medical devices to fight COVID-19 pandemic

India has allowed imports of medical devices, particularly oxygen devices, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local media reports say that India has also started accepting donations and aid from foreign nations as the country reels under a massive shortage of oxygen, drugs and other equipment amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

State governments are reportedly free to procure life-saving devices and medicines from foreign agencies.

Chinese ambassador to India said on social media that Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India.

Chinese vaccine arrives for South American football

A batch of the COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by China's Sinovac to the South American football confederation has arrived in Uruguay. 

The jab will be used to inoculate players ahead of the Copa America in June and for other tournaments organized by CONMEBOL.

The regional football governing body says it is the first confederation to obtain a vaccine for widespread immunization.

Baidu to launch paid driverless ride-hailing services in Beijing

Baidu will launch its paid driverless robotaxi services in Beijing next week. 

The tech company's Apollo Robotaxi will operate in the Shougang Park in western Beijing without a safety driver.

Passengers can hail and pay for a ride online.