2009-01-03 Let's Go Skiing Although the word of winter seems to covey anything but warmth, I believe the idea of going skiing is sure to kindle the passion within many people. Today we will talk about skiing. • Decision-making Mechanism Prior to Encouragement of Pursuit of Innovations • China to Step up Efforts to Improve Net Environment • China Highlights New Year Fiscal Emphasis • India handed over evidence of Mumbai attacks to Pakistan • EU delegation holds talks to push for a cease-fire in Gaza

Hello and welcome to this edition of CRI Roundup on Saturday, December 29. I'm Zhao Zhuang in Beijing.

Let's take a look at some of the major events that have happened in China and around the globe in the past week.

China issued first-ever white paper on energy saving.
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is visiting China.
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in an election campaign.
And Russia slammed U.S. missile defense plan in Central Europe.

China issued first-ever white paper on energy on Wednesday saying that it will continue its efforts to save energy and develop renewable energy.

The white paper issued by the State Council says that China will make renewable energy a preferential field under the energy-saving framework.

Han Wenke, an energy official said China still has lots of work to do to achieve this goal.

"China has a strong base for the energy industry, which it will develop to a higher level, especially in supply. This is the result of sound policy, progress in technological innovation and other efforts."

The official said China's development in energy industries is not a threat, but an opportunity for all countries to develop in a cooperative way. The country also plans to be more open in international cooperation, in terms of attracting investment and trade.

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Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is visiting China for a four-day official state visit. It's being regarded as an opportunity for both China and Japan to expand communication and mutual understanding.

Fukuda, who took office in September, held talks with top Chinese leaders, and gave a speech in the prestigious Peking University.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said that the visit is of great significance for promoting the healthy and steady development of China-Japan relations.

"Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's visit is another important move to further improve and develop China-Japan relations, following the previous ice-breaking and thawing trips by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao respectively."

Communication between China and Japan has been heating up of late, especially this year. Political parties, armies and cultural organizations in both countries have enhanced communication.

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To the international front:

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto were killed in a suicide attack in an election campaign near the capital Islamabad earlier on Thursday.

The 54-year old Bhutto, leader of Pakistan People's Party, returned to Pakistan from an eight-year exile for the upcoming presidential elections.

The United Nations Security Council strongly condemns the assassination of Pakistan's former prime minister.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "shocked and outraged" by Bhutto's assassination.

"I call upon the government authorities to bring the perpetrators to the justice and I condemn in the strongest possible terms this assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto."
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced that the nation have three-day mourning for her.

India, the European Union, US, Russia and some other countries all expressed strong condemnation.

China also strongly condemned the Bhutto's assassination on Thursday and extended condolences to the families of Bhutto and other victims.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has slammed U.S. missile plan saying Washington disregarded Moscow's concerns over the possible deployment of U.S. anti-ballistic missile components in Central Europe.

Washington initiated plans at the beginning of this year to deploy a radar station in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland, claiming it will prevent potential missile attacks from Iran.

Moscow has repeated its opposition to such a system, saying it will weaken its deterrence and undermine strategic balance. The two rivals have held several talks on the issue but failed to record any breakthrough.

And that concludes this edition of CRI Roundup. Remember, if you have any comments or suggestions, or would like to listen to any of our programs online, you can visit our website at: www.crienglish.com. I'm Zhao Zhuang in Beijing. Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for more on China Radio International.