China considering tougher immigration regulations

China’s top legislature* is considering a new law that would increase regulations on the entrance, residence and working status of foreigners.

If the new law is approved, police would have more power and options to directly handle illegal entries and related cases. The new law also requires local governments to establish a special custody house for foreigners who violate the law.

Green appliances get

huge subsidies

In a move designed to boost domestic consumption and cut carbon emissions, the Chinese Government has earmarked* 26.5 billion yuan (US$4.2 billion) in subsidies for energy-saving home appliances.

Under a resolution reached at a State Council executive meeting on May 16, the subsidies for energy-saving air conditioners, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and heaters will tentatively* last for a year.

Kidnapped seamen return

Twenty-nine Chinese fishermen returned home on May 21 after being detained by an unidentified group of North Koreans for 13 days.

Xinhua reported that North Korea’s Foreign Ministry had notified the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang of the release and “there was no news of any ransom* being paid by the vessels’s owners.” Embassy counselor Jiang Yaxian said on May 20 that the three vessels and all crew members were on their way back to China.

Smuggler sentenced to

life in jail

Lai Changxing, the kingpin of a notorious smuggling ring, was sentenced to life in prison on May 18 after he was convicted of smuggling and bribery, the Intermediate People’s Court of Xiamen said.

Court officials said the sentence reflected the severity of Lai’s offenses, the “extremely large amount of money” involved and the court’s position that as the mastermind, Lai should be held responsible for all the crimes his syndicate committed.(SD-Agencies)