China Science & Technology Digest:
April 1-15, 2003

ATIP

This digest summarizes S&T-related articles that appeared in the media ATIP monitored in the first half of April 2003. Some articles reference a relevant website to assist readers in obtaining further information. For questions or to request additional information, please send email to ChinaST@atip.or.jp. The exchange rate used for this issue is RMB8.287 against the U.S. dollar.

China Develops New Generation of Large Carrier Rocket
China has begun the research and development of a new generation carrier-rocket of the Long-March series to meet the needs for the launching of space exploration equipment such as large-sized satellites and lunar-surveying installations. There will be 14 types of the new generation of carrier-rockets. The main feature is the carrying capacity on a low-orbit, which is 1.2 to 25 tons while that on a higher orbit is 1.8 to 14 tons. A new launching ground for the new generation of carrier-rockets is going to be constructed in Hainan Province. The present launching grounds at Jiuquan, Xichang, and Taiyuan are all built in inland areas.
Source: People's Daily 04/07/2003

Countdown to China's 'Double Satellites Program'
China's first space exploration program--the "Geospace Double Satellites Exploration Program" (GDSEP)-- has entered its final phase. China's first GDSEP satellite will be launched in December this year; the second one is expected to be launched six months later. The two satellites will operate in polar and equatorial areas, which are not yet covered by international geospace exploration satellites. Together with four satellites of the "Satellite Cluster II Mission" -- the exploration program of the European Space Agency -- they will realize a three-dimensional six-point probe over geospace.
The GDSEP was formally approved by the State Council in April 2002.
Source: China Daily 04/01/2003

Nation to Increase Nuclear Energy Production
China has set a goal of producing 3 percent of the total national power from nuclear plants by 2005. The installed capacity of China's nuclear power plants is expected to reach 8.7 million kilowatts in two years, when four new generating units will be put into operation, joining the current seven sets. Currently, China's installed nuclear power capacity is 5.4 million kilowatts.
Source: China Daily 04/10/2003

CAS Implements New Development Strategy for Resources and the Environment
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is designing a new development strategy for resources and the environment. It is planning to build the following research centers: the Beijing Geoscience Center, the Northwest Resources and Environmental Research Center, the Northeast Ecological Management and Modern Agricultural Research Center, the Yangtze River Reaches Ecological Environmental Center, and the South Marine Scientific Research Center.
Source: Xinhua News Agency 04/11/2003

China Succeeds in First Case of Pancreatic Cell Transplant
Doctors from the Fuzhou General Army Hospital have successfully conducted the transplant of pancreatic cells for Diabetes A. Sufferers of Diabetes A must use insulin to keep a stable glucose metabolism, and the transplantation of adult pancreatic cell is the only way to thoroughly cure the disease. The operation was conducted on a female patient from Fuqing City, Fujian Province, on March 30th. This is the first successful case of pancreatic cell transplanting operation for adult in Asia.
Source: People's Daily 04/02/2003

NW China to Build Superconductor Center
China's Northwest Non-ferrous Metals Research Institute will build a superconductor center in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. The Institute, together with Mauritius-based Superconductor International Technology Co. Ltd., will inject 200 million yuan (approx. US$24.1 million) into the center to develop and process niobium-titanium alloys. Covering an area of some 6.73 hectares, the center will produce 230 tons of niobium-titanium alloy products annually.
Source: Xinhua News Agency 04/07/2003

South China's Shenzhen Invests in IT
Shenzhen, a special economic zone in south China's Guangdong Province, will invest four billion yuan (approx. US$480 million) this year to develop information technology (IT) projects. IT projects to be carried out include an e-government pilot project, a digital library, and Shenzhen telecommunications and digital wire broadcasting system. More than 150,000 households have broad-band connection in Shenzhen, which is the highest number of all cities in China.
Source: Xinhuanet 04/11/2003

IEIP to be Held in Dongguan
The Fourth Session of the Dongguan International Electronic Information Technology and Products Exhibition (IEIP) will be held in Dongguan. in South China's Guangdong Province, from June 6 to June 10, at the Dongguan International Exhibition Center. Chinese exhibition organizers expect that more than 150 manufacturers of telecommunication products, computers, office automation products, digital TV sets, computer equipment accessories, CD/DVD players, and electronics components, including Japanese-based Misawa Toyo Co Ltd, Sanyo Motor, Sony Co, and Russian KEPP, will attend the event.

Note: Although Chinese exhibition organizers may hope otherwise, given the worldwide concern about SARS, it is highly likely that international conferences in China will be sparsely attended from abroad.
Source: China Daily 04/10/2003

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