Bernice: Welcome to China Daily video news, this is Jan 25, 2008. I’m Bernice Chan
John: And I’m Jonathan Stewart. Later, we’ll get you the latest information from Hong Kong to Hollywood, but first the brief news.
China: GDP expands 11.4 percent in 2007
With 11.4 percent GDP growth in 2007, China’s economy grew at its fastest in 13 years despite a slowdown in the fourth quarter.
World Economic Forum in Davos
Government officials, bankers and economists have gathered in Davos, Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum. High energy prices and World economic uncertainties are on the agenda.
Beijing: Migrants get a voice in local congresses
Two migrant workers have been elected as deputies to the Beijing 13th municipal people's congress, which opened last Sunday.
State Funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary
Five hundred mourners paid their last respects to Sir Edmund Hillary in a state funeral in New Zealand. The 88-year-old world-renowned mountaineer and explorer was the first to scale Mount Qomolagma, also known as Mount Everest.
100,000 yr-old human skull in Henan
An almost complete human skull fossil that could date back 100,000 years was unearthed in Henan province last month, shedding light on a critical period of human evolution.
Bernice: now for more news in depth.
Rough ride on the stock market
Earlier this week, investors saw world financial markets drop sharply, due to fears of an economic slowdown in the United States.
On Tuesday, the Shanghai Composite Index fell 7.2 percent, while the Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index plummeted 8.7 percent or 2,061 points.
The following day, the US Federal Reserve slashed the key federal funds rate by 3.5 percent, the biggest cut since 1984.
World markets reacted with a bit more optimism, closing slightly higher on Thursday.
Heavy snow slams China
Heavy snow hit most of the country this month, claiming at least 17 lives and causing widespread traffic and power disruptions.
About 32.9 million people have been affected in 10 provinces across China.Total damages are estimated at 6.23 billion yuan.
The central government allocated about 1.75 billion yuan to guarantee basic living standards for those affected.
Foreign Minister in Germany
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is in Germany to discuss Iran’s nuclear program with five other foreign ministers.
Yang met his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the sidelines of the meeting.
Germany is mending ties with China after German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the Dalai Lama late last year.
Germany is China’s largest trading partner in the European Union.
200 days to the Olympics
Uniforms for the Beijing Olympics' workers, technical staff and volunteers were unveiled Sunday night, marking the 200-day countdown to the Games.
The uniforms feature lucky cloud patterns and will come in three colors: red for the Beijing Olympic Games Committee staff, blue for volunteers and gray for technical staff.
In China, red signifies passion and action. Blue is a refreshing color, and suitable for the large number of volunteers, while gray represents calm, something the technical staff will likely need.
Brokeback Mountain Star Dead at 28
Actor Heath Ledger, known for his role in Ang Lee’s film, Brokeback Mountain, has died. He was 28. He was found unconscious in his New York apartment. So far autopsy reports are inconclusive as to how he died.
80th Oscar nominations unveiled
Nominations for the 80th annual Academy Awards were announced Tuesday.
The violent and dark drama "No Country for Old Men" and oil epic "There Will Be Blood" led the Oscar field with eight nods each, and will square off for best picture.
Mickey Mouse celebrates Year of the Rat
Mickey Mouse is celebrating the upcoming Year of the Rat in Hong Kong Disneyland with a fashion show. And the world’s famous mouse got a new wardrobe. Hong Kong-born designer Vivienne Tam was enlisted to create new clothes for Mickey and Minnie.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Bernice Chan is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Bernice has written for newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and most recently worked as a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producing current affairs shows and documentaries.
Jonathan Stewart is a media and journalism expert from the United States with four years of experience as a writer and instructor. He accepted a foreign expert position with chinadaily.com.cn in June 2007 following the completion of his Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics.
