Top court repeals order for registry of surrogate-born twins

Top court repeals order for registry of surrogate-born twins

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 7 Kyodo - Japanese TV personality Aki Mukai (L) and former professional wrestler Nobuhiko Takada are pictured during a press conference on April 11, 2007, after the Supreme Court repealed in March a lower court ruling ordering a Tokyo ward office to accept on its registry twins born to the couple through an American surrogate mother. The decision by the top court finalized Shinagawa Ward's rejection to register the 2003 births of the boys.(Kyodo)

US: North Dakota Sees Powerful Winds Amid Tornado-Producing Storm

Severe weather swept across the upper Midwest on Friday, June 20, bringing powerful winds and leaving at least 3 dead in North Dakota as a tornado ripped through the area.

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

Iranians Marking The 28th Anniversary Of The Us Embassy Takeover - Tehran

File photo dated on April 11, 2007. Thousands of Iranians and students chanted "Down with America" at a major anti-U.S. rally in front of former U.S. Embassy marking the 28th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Photo by Alfred Yaghobzadeh/ABACAPRESS.COM

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Yan Jielong, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, teaches his apprentice the skills of dark tea making at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Villagers work in an orchard in Xulou Village of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows tourists visiting a resort near Taihu Lake in Wuxing District of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows cleaners removing illegal fishing net at a port of Taihu Lake, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visit an exhibition showing the irrigation system of Taihu Lake in Yigao Village, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows staff members of an ecological police service team patrolling on Taihu Lake, Wuxing District of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Local urban management and law enforcement team members inspect along the Taihu Lake bank in Wuxing District of Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows staff members of local water authority collecting floating objects on Taihu Lake in Wuzhong District of Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chen Ting, a homestay manager, works at her homestay near Taihu Lake at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Chen started her homestay business after resigning her work as a bank employee in 2018. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of the Taihu Lake near Jinting Town of Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Huiling (L), a homestay manager, drinks tea with a customer at her homestay transformed from pig-sheep pens and woodhouses in Miaodou Village, Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of the Yigao New Village for relocated former fishermen in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a homestay near Taihu Lake at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of the Taihu Lake near Jinting Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Cleaners collect wastes along the bank of Taihu Lake, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Tourists have a rest in Yigao Village of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a wetland restoration project of Taihu Lake near Jinting Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chen Ting (R), a homestay manager, feeds fish at her homestay near Taihu Lake at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Chen started her homestay business after resigning her work as a bank employee in 2018. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Yan Jielong, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, shows Biluochun, one of the top tea varieties in China and the speciality of Suzhou, at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chen Ting, a homestay manager, works at her homestay near Taihu Lake at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Chen started her homestay business after resigning her work as a bank employee in 2018. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A tourist poses for photos in Yigao Village of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Chen Ting, a homestay manager, trims pot plants at her homestay near Taihu Lake at Dongshan Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Chen started her homestay business after resigning her work as a bank employee in 2018. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Former fisherman Shen Xuerong (L) and his wife Shen Yanyan work at their agritainment resort in Jinting Town of Wuzhong District in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows cleaners removing illegal fishing net at a port of Taihu Lake, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Visitors walk into a cafe in Yigao Village, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

CHINA-JIANGSU-ZHEJIANG-TAIHU LAKE-GREEN TRANSFORMATION (CN)

(240415) -- BEIJING, April 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A villager works at a crayfish breeding pond in Xulou Village of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 11, 2024. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Taihu Lake is an important water source for 17 million residents in one of China's most densely populated and economically developed areas. The water quality of Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake, keeps impoving over the years and reached in 2023 its best level since 2007. The improved ecological environment has also boosted economic development around the lake, with a booming of various industries including sightseeing, outdoor sports, etc. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Italian businessman bullish on China's furniture industry

STORY: Italian businessman bullish on China's furniture industry DATELINE: April 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: BAZHOU, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the international furniture fair 2. SOUNDBITE (English): BISTONSINI EMANUELE, Italian businessman 3. various of furniture industry in Bazhou, China's Hebei Province STORYLINE: An international furniture fair, which concluded on Monday in Bazhou City of China's Hebei Province, drew more than 100,000 buyers from both home and abroad. Founded in 2007, the fair has become one of the largest furniture exhibitions in northern China. An Italian businessman, who has been engaged in China-Europe trade for years, expressed his confidence in China's furniture industry. SOUNDBITE (English): BISTONSINI EMANUELE, Italian businessman "The Chinese economy, especially after the end of the pandemic, will be very very lightful and brilliant in the future. Because many countries and many entrepreneurs have the possibility to come to China and visit the

Lake Toya resort in Hokkaido picked to host 2008 G-8 summit

Lake Toya resort in Hokkaido picked to host 2008 G-8 summit

SAPPORO, Japan - This photo taken on March 11, 2007 shows the Windsor Hotel Toya (fore) and Mt. Yotei (far) in southern Hokkaido. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe picked the Lake Toya hot-spring resort town on April 23 as one of sites for the summit of the Group of Eight nations in 2008.