67 dead in China rains

BEIJING: Torrential rains and mountain torrents have left at least 67 people dead and 56 missing in central and western China, state media said on Thursday. Around 100,000 people have been moved from affected villages in mountainous areas of Hunan province, reports said. — AFP

China warns scribes

BEIJING: China issued a chilling warning on Thursday to overseas journalists gainst “violating laws and regulations” while reporting, saying they would be prosecuted if they did. The caution came after the arrest of Hong Kong-based Singapore Straits Times reporter Ching Cheong on spying charges reignited concern over press freedom in China. — AFP

Taiwan raps China

Taipei: Taiwan on Thursday condemned rival China for blocking the UN Security Council’s proposed one-year extension of its security mission in Haiti. “We strongly condemn China’s move to interfere in the restoration of order in Haiti,” said foreign ministry spokesman Michel Lu. — AFP

3 Aceh rebels killed

BANDA ACEH: Indonesian soldiers have shot dead three more separatist rebels the latest clash in tsunami-battered Aceh province and rescued six people held as hostages. — AFP

CRPF trooper kills self

BHUBANESWAR: A trooper of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) committed suicide by shooting himself with his service revolver in Orissa’s Rourkela city, 476 km from here on Thursday, police said. He was identified as Suraj Bhan, 40, of Jammu and Kashmir. — HNS