China Shows Olive Branch to U.S. Hi-Tech Products

Chinese President Hu Jintao has chosen the Microsoft headquarters in Seattle as the first stop of his U.S. visit. Analysts say the olive branch from the Chinese leadership may help break the U.S. barrier against high-tech exports to China.

Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai says the trend of U.S. high-tech exports to China lags far behind the European Union and Japan and is already having an adverse impact on the Sino-U.S. trade balance. 

Chirac, Mubarak Urge Diplomacy with Iran

French President Jacques Chirac and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are urging nations to pursue diplomacy rather than military force with Iran over its controversial nuclear program.

The French president insisted that the door remained open for a resumption of talks as soon as Iran went along with the requests of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UN Security Council. 

Italy's Supreme Court Confirms Prodi Win in Lower House

Italy's supreme court has confirmed centre-left leader Romano Prodi's lower house election win, all but ending Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's five-year grip on power.

Prodi says his government, which will include moderate Catholics, liberals and Communists, will work to "deserve" its razor-thin poll victory. 

China to Open Laboratories to Public

Chinese people can personally experience scientific research this Saturday, as seven laboratories and three exhibition halls will be open to the public for World Earth Day.

Experts will show the public how to operate lab instruments and talk about the procedures for scientific research studies and trials.