Chinese, U.S. Agree to Strengthen Exchange Mechanism

Chinese and U.S. lawmakers have agreed to further consolidate and improve the regular exchange mechanism between the parliaments of the two countries.

During the dialogue, an inter-parliamentary exchange mechanism set up between China's National People's Congress and the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers also exchanged views on a range of issues, such as Sino-U.S. relations, the Taiwan issue and bilateral economic and trade ties. 

Philippines to Adopt New Parliamentary Government in July

The Philippines will adopt a parliamentary government under an amended constitution as early as July, according to the House Speaker Jose de Venecia, citing the success of a popular signature campaign to change the charter.

The Speaker also says the Commission on Elections would schedule a nationwide plebiscite sometime in June and authorize a campaign period of 60 to 90 days. 

First U.S. Bird Flu Vaccine Safe, Partly Effective

Researchers reported in The New England Medicine Journal that initial testing has showed the first U.S. vaccine against H5N1 bird flu virus is safe, but only partly protective.

The experimental bird flu vaccine sparked a slightly lower immune response in 70 percent of the recipients, but scientists could not determine whether such a response is protective. 

Half listed companies join share reform

Over a half of the companies listed on China's two stock exchanges have joined the split share structure reform.

The Shanghai Securities News says the market value of the 760 companies made up 63 percent of the total market value of all listed companies.