Tax Hike Boosts Big Engine Car Price

The passenger car tax rise formally started today (September 1). It aims to promote oil-friendly cars and reduce oil consumption. Dealers of imported luxury cars with big engine capacities are seeking higher prices. An analyst with China Automobile Trading Co Ltd said tax will increase on import prices of cars with engine capacities of 3 to 4 liters by 13 percent, and 33 percent for those above 4 liters.

China Ban Canada's Contaminated Meat

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine announced yesterday (August 31), that urgent measures will be taken to prevent import of Canada's contaminated meat. As of August 28, Canada has reported 15 deaths caused by listeriosis, a kind of food poisoning dangerous to elderly, newborns, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. The meat was produced by Maple Leaf, which is also exporting to China.

Thai Airports Resumes Operation

Thai authorities reopened their three international airports yesterday (August 31) after anti-government protesters forced the suspension of services since last Friday. Assisted by the Chinese embassy in Thailand, many stranded Chinese passengers have managed to leave Phuket, returning to China via Bangkok.

(A family returned Hong Kong from Thailand at 4a.m. this morning. Photo from news.hexun.com)

Intruder Forces Metro Line 4 to Halt

Yesterday (August 31) at about 5 PM, a man holding a crowbar broke into the rail track of Guangzhou Metro Line 4, suspending operation for about one hour. The station master at Xinzao station tried to persuade the man get off the track but was instead hit by his crowbar. The man was later arrested. Over 1000 passengers were evacuated.