G-7 Talks Focus on Oil Prices and China

Global finance chiefs have wrapped up three days of talks in Washington DC, calling for action against runaway oil prices. They also urged the IMF to strengthen its monitoring of national currency policies.

The gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors have backed plans to meet a long-standing demand by emerging market countries for a greater stake in decision-making at the International Monetary Fund. 

Japan's Koizumi Suffers Defeat in Key By-election

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's ruling party suffered defeat in a hotly contested by-election in Japan seen as a test of the public's mood as he prepares to leave office.

The LDP defeat was likely to lower the political influence of the lame duck Prime Minister, who is set to step down in September after five years in office. 

Merkel Sidesteps Nuclear Pact Dispute with India

India and Germany have agreed to deepen their cooperation on energy policy but sidestepped a dispute over a nuclear deal between New Delhi and Washington that Berlin has criticized.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with Chancellor Angela Merkel in a northern city ahead of the opening of the Hanover Technology Fair, where guest country India and Germany, the world's number three economy, hope to boost their rapidly growing trade ties. 

Internet Draws More Chinese Readers' Attention away from Books

A survey shows that the number of Chinese reading at least one book a year has been declining dramatically, as Internet draws more readers' attention from books.

The survey conducted every two years by the China Publishing Research Center under the General Administration of Press and Publication was released over the weekend to mark Sunday's 11th World Book and Copyright Day. 

Musicians Join Hands in Diversified Genres

Beijing Symphony Orchestra will give a concert at the Forbidden City Concert Hall on May 21, playing Berlioz and Saint-Saens' pieces with 28-year-old French organ player Erwan Le Prado.