BEIJING

Road map outlined for Beidou system

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has released a road map for the application of the Beidou navigation satellite system developed by China. The three-phase road map listed specific targets for 2021, 2025 and 2035 to eventually foster a global navigation satellite system with Beidou as the core that is compatible with other systems. By the end of 2035, the civil aviation sector should gradually see full coverage of the Beidou application to enhance the safety and efficiency of the industry. Liu Lianxi, an official at the CAAC, said the inclusion of the Beidou system could help reduce safety risks from a single system and make up for the inadequacy of traditional navigation systems.

Wetland research center unveiled

China has unveiled a national-level wetland research center to strengthen wetland protection, according to China Science Daily on Friday. The center was jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. It will provide technical support for national wetland protection management, wetland ecological restoration and implementation of international conventions. Wetlands play a crucial role in water purification, flood control and maintaining biodiversity. China has more than 600 wetland nature reserves and over 1,000 national wetland parks.

ANHUI

Gang of tomb raiders given jail sentences

An East China court has sentenced 30 members of a gang who stole from ancient tombs and six others who sold the cultural relics. The Xiejiaji District People's Court in Huainan, Anhui province, handed down the jail terms ranging from two to 13 years, along with fines of varying amounts. The court heard that the gang, led by Qiu Guoyu and Bai Wei, committed 21 crimes of robbing ancient tombs between July 2016 and March 2018. Among the stolen relics were copper swords, bronze mirrors and agate hairpins. Police have confiscated more than 100 pieces of national second and third-level cultural relics stolen by the gang.