Australia: Record Flooding Batters Northern NSW After Heavy Rainfall 7

Flooding has battered cities and towns across the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter Region in northern New South Wales, leaving many residents stranded or forced to evacuate after days of heavy rainfall. In the city of Taree, the Manning River surpassed its 1929 record of six meters and was still rising as of Wednesday morning, May 21. Authorities have issued 13 emergency-level alerts. This video shows a man trying to save his mowers from the flooding.

Yangtze River Delta, a magnet for foreign investors

STORY: Yangtze River Delta, a magnet for foreign investors SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage DATELINE: May 20, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:35 LOCATION: NANJING/HANGZHOU, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Yangtze River Delta 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RUDOLF HAUSLADEN, CEO of Beumer Group 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): YANG JUN, Vice President of SKF China 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): XU LIN, Nidec Pinghu Industrial Park in Zhejiang Province STORYLINE: The Yangtze River Delta is one of China's most economically vibrant regions. With just 4 percent of China's total land area, the delta generates nearly a quarter of China's GDP. It attracts investors worldwide with multiple advantages, including a complete industrial chain and a sound business environment. Many foreign companies have beefed up their investment to build production bases and R&D centers here. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): RUDOLF HAUSLADEN, CEO of Beumer Group "When we had to decide where we invest in China, we were looking around and we found that Taic

North China's Tianjin embraces booming cruise tourism

STORY: North China's Tianjin embraces booming cruise tourism SHOOTING TIME: April 7, 2024 DATELINE: April 8, 2024 LENGTH: 0:01:39 LOCATION: TIANJIN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the cruise ship 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LIU YANG, Tianjin Dongjiang border inspection station 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHAO JINGWEN, Tianjin branch of Bank of China 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LIU ZINAN, Chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises STORYLINE: North China's Tianjin Municipality has embraced booming cruise tourism since international cruise ship transport to and from ports of China was fully resumed in September 2023. Cruise ship Serenade of the Seas docked at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port on Sunday morning, with over 1,800 tourists from 50 countries and regions aboard. The 275-day cruise on the ship is the longest round-the-world route at present, and Tianjin is its only stop in the Chinese mainland. To aid the growth of cruise tourism, the city has beefed up efforts to provide effecti

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member sorts children's clothing for online orders in a warehouse of a garment enterprise in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member packs children's clothing for online orders in a warehouse of a garment enterprise in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member promotes children's clothing via livestreaming in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- You Heng, person in charge of a garment enterprise, promotes children's clothing via livestreaming in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member promotes children's clothing via livestreaming in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

CHINA-ZHEJIANG-HUZHOU-CHILDREN'S CLOTHING-INDUSTRY-"DOUBLE ELEVEN"-ONLINE SHOPPING FESTIVAL (CN)

(231108) -- HUZHOU, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A staff member picks up children's clothing for orders in a warehouse of a garment enterprise in Zhili Town of Huzhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2023. The 10,000-plus children's garment enterprises in Zhili Town have beefed up productivity and business promotion as China's "Double Eleven" online shopping festival is approaching. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated January 21, 2017 shows MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters deliver supplies to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a vertical replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brent Pyfrom via ABACAPRESS.COM

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated June 24, 2020 shows the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), left, the French navy frigate FS Guepratte (F714), the French navy amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) and the Italian navy amphibious transport dock ship ITS San Giorgio (L9892) are underway in formation as part of a maritime training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lenny Weston via AB

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated May 25, 2022) shows the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) arrives at Pier 88 for Fleet Week New York, 2022. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan via ABACAPRESS.COM

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated July 30, 2019 shows the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the Harpers Ferry-class Amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) participate in a simulated straight transit during a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT)exercise with other U.S. Navy warships in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated June 9, 2020 shows the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), front, the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) are underway in formation through the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting via ABACAPRESS.COM

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated October 28, 2013 shows an MV-22 Osprey takes off from the flight deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Michael J. Lieberknecht via ABACAPRESS.COM

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated July 28, 2014 shows the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), right, and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) conduct a replenishment-at-sea in the Arabian Sea. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class RJ Stratchko via ABACAPRESS.COM

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Thousands Of US Troops Reach Red Sea After Iran Tensions

Handout photo dated April 15, 2014 shows aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Michael Gable, from Peachtree City, Ga., directs an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter off the flight deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during flight operations. More than 3,000 United States military personnel have arrived in the Red Sea aboard two warships, part of a beefed up response from Washington after tanker seizures by Iran, the US Navy said Monday. The US sailors and Marines entered the Red Sea on Sunday after transiting through the Suez Canal in a pre-announced deployment, the US Navy's Fifth Fleet said in a statement. They arrived on board the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall warships, providing "greater flexibility and maritime capability" to the Fifth Fleet, the statement from the Bahrain-based command added. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Hays via ABACAPRESS.COM

Türkiye beefs up nationwide security measures ahead of New Year

STORY: Türkiye beefs up nationwide security measures ahead of New Year DATELINE: Dec. 30, 2022 LENGTH: 0:02:21 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul city in Türkiye 2. various of Istiklal Street, a nostalgic train carrying passengers 3. various of Police operations 4. various of seized Counterfeit alcoholic beverages STORYLINE: Türkiye has beefed up nationwide security measures on land and in the sea ahead of the New Year, the Interior Ministry revealed on Thursday. Nearly 500,000 security personnel, including coast guard teams, gendarme units and police forces, would be on high alert to ensure security between Dec. 30, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023, mainly by boosting patrols in crowded areas, said a ministry statement. In coastal provinces, "deterrents and effective measures against migrant smuggling and illegal activities will be continued with the Coast Guard Command units and other law enforcement agencies," the statement added. According to a government circular

INDONESIA-CHRISTMAS-SECURITY

INDONESIA-CHRISTMAS-SECURITY

(221224) -- MALANG, Dec. 24, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A police officer is seen with a dog during security procedure before Christmas Eve at Santo Albertus de Tarpani in Malang, Indonesia, Dec. 24, 2022. Indonesian authorities have tightened security measures across the archipelago in a bid to prevent terrorist attacks and other crimes ahead of Christmas and year-end holidays. TO GO WITH "Roundup: Security beefed up in Indonesia ahead of year-end holiday season " (Photo by Aditya Hendra/Xinhua)

INDONESIA-CHRISTMAS-SECURITY

INDONESIA-CHRISTMAS-SECURITY

(221224) -- SURAKARTA, Dec. 24, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A police officer is seen during security procedure before Christmas Eve at Santo Antonius Church in Surakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 24, 2022. Indonesian authorities have tightened security measures across the archipelago in a bid to prevent terrorist attacks and other crimes ahead of Christmas and year-end holidays. TO GO WITH "Roundup: Security beefed up in Indonesia ahead of year-end holiday season " (Photo by Bram Selo/Xinhua)

Security beefed up around Japanese Embassy in Beijing

Security beefed up around Japanese Embassy in Beijing

BEIJING, China - China beefs up security around the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on Sept. 16, 2010, as a precautionary measure against potential anti-Japanese demonstrations over the recent collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard vessels.

Macao's police step up security as handover nears

Macao's police step up security as handover nears

MACAO - Photo shows police officers on Dec. 14 patrolling the venue for Macao's handover ceremony to be held at midnight Dec. 19 through early Dec. 20. Macao police have beefed up security of the entire territory prior to the historic event. The enclave is to return to Chinese rule at midnight Dec. 19, after 442 years of Portuguese rule.

Istanbul's famous avenue strengthens security after bomb attack

STORY: Istanbul's famous avenue strengthens security after bomb attack DATELINE: Nov. 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:45 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: SOCIETY/POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istiklal Avenue and police officers patrolling 2. various of Istanbul local officials 3. various of the street STORYLINE: Istanbul has beefed up security measures after an explosion rocked the city's busiest pedestrian avenue on Nov. 13, leaving six people dead and more than 80 wounded. The number of security officials and undercover police officers patrolling the Istiklal Avenue has increased considerably. Benches and potted trees along the avenue have been removed for security reasons after CCTV cameras revealed that the perpetrator sat on a bench for hours before carrying out the assault. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu inspected the area and talked with the residents about their concerns. Hotels in Istanbul are back at full capacity after temporarily losing some of their clients right after the attack. The avenu

China's Heilongjiang sees endangered species recover under conservation efforts

STORY: China's Heilongjiang sees endangered species recover under conservation efforts DATELINE: Nov. 15, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:07 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of wild birds 2. various of forests in China's Heilongjiang STORYLINE: At Hailang River in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, dozens of Chinese merganser ducks are preparing for their migration south. Chinese merganser ducks, or scaly-sided mergansers, are an endangered species under class-one state protection. The species is also listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In recent years, the province has beefed up measures to restore forests, wetlands and other ecosystems. China Longjiang Forest Industry Group Co., Ltd., which takes care of over 14.5 percent of Heilongjiang's total land area, has established 49 nature reserves with a total area of 2,561,300 hectares. Thanks to these efforts, the local population of Chinese mergansers has grown from around a dozen

GLOBALink | China beefs up wetlands conservation to enhance people's well-being

Known as the "kidneys of the Earth," wetlands can help safeguard biodiversity and cope with climate change. Over the decades, China has beefed up wetlands conservation efforts to ensure harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Produced by Xinhua Global Service

Beijing beefs up measures to contain COVID-19 resurgence

STORY: Beijing beefs up measures to contain COVID-19 resurgence DATELINE: May 17, 2022 LENGTH: 0:00:41 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Beijing STORYLINE: Beijing is conducting three further mass nucleic acid testings in 12 districts from Monday to Wednesday, as the city races against the clock to contain its latest resurgence of COVID-19 infections. The latest move follows three mass COVID-19 screenings that took place from Friday to Sunday in the 12 districts. Beijing's public transit system has also beefed up measures to guard against the spread of COVID-19. From Tuesday, residents living near areas under closed-off management need to present a green health code before riding a bus or using the metro. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing. (XHTV)

Tea-oil camellia leading to well-off life

STORY: Tea-oil camellia leading to well-off life DATELINE: March 6, 2022 LENGTH: 0:04:00 LOCATION: RUIJIN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tea-oil camellia 2. various of China 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress 7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHU ZHIQIANG, General manager of Green Fairyland 8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GUO YONG, Resident of Songcun village in Ganzhou 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress 10. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LAN NIANYING, National lawmaker from Jiangxi STORYLINE: SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MING JINGHUA, Deputy to the 12th National People's Congress "My hometown used to be very poor. For recent years, the poverty alleviation drive, beefed up with po

At least 120 killed in terror attacks in Paris

At least 120 killed in terror attacks in Paris

Police officers are deployed in front of the French Embassy in Tokyo on Nov. 14, 2015, following a series of deadly terror attacks in Paris. The Japanese government beefed up security at locations related to French interests and elsewhere in the country. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

China pitches Beijing 2022 Olympic bid, tightens world meet security

China pitches Beijing 2022 Olympic bid, tightens world meet security

Visitors are inspected at a security checkpoint at the venue for the World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai, China, on its opening day on March 25, 2015. China, going ahead full steam to promote its bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, beefed up security for the event apparently to demonstrate its capability of playing host. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

FEATURE: Old buildings beefed up with quake-resistant technology

FEATURE: Old buildings beefed up with quake-resistant technology

Photo taken Sept. 28, 2016, shows two pieces of shock-absorbing rubber beneath a vibration control system called a Tuned Mass Damper, or TMD, installed on top of the Shinjuku Nomura Building in Tokyo. The rubber, installed at the four corners of the system, can alleviate shaking, especially that caused by winds and smaller quakes. The linear slider (black parts at its center) work to absorb tremors caused by bigger earthquakes. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

FEATURE: Old buildings beefed up with quake-resistant technology

FEATURE: Old buildings beefed up with quake-resistant technology

Photo taken Sept. 28, 2016, shows on the left a model of a vibration control system called a Tuned Mass Damper, or TMD, on top of a miniature of Tokyo's Shinjuku Nomura Building. On the right is a larger-scale model of the TMD system installed on top of a block which represents a building. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Security beefed up around Japanese Embassy in Beijing

Security beefed up around Japanese Embassy in Beijing

BEIJING, China - China beefs up security around the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on Sept. 16, 2010, as a precautionary measure against potential anti-Japanese demonstrations over the recent collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard vessels. (Kyodo)

Beefed-up Haneda airport may help Tokyo artisans leap beyond sea

Beefed-up Haneda airport may help Tokyo artisans leap beyond sea

TOKYO, Japan - A precision lathe operator manufactures a part of a dish antenna at Kitajima Shibori Seisakusho Co.'s factory in Tokyo's Ota Ward on Dec. 16, 2010. (Kyodo)

Macao's police step up security as handover nears

Macao's police step up security as handover nears

MACAO - Photo shows police officers on Dec. 14 patrolling the venue for Macao's handover ceremony to be held at midnight Dec. 19 through early Dec. 20. Macao police have beefed up security of the entire territory prior to the historic event. The enclave is to return to Chinese rule at midnight Dec. 19, after 442 years of Portuguese rule.