10-31-07

中國將建造新系列運載火箭 (China to Build new Series of Rocket Launchers)

中國計劃建造一組新型火箭，以增強其把衛星和空間站送入太空軌道的能力。中國官方媒體報導，新的長征5型運載火箭將在北部港口城市天津建造，並在位於熱帶的海南島上新發射中心發射升空。

中國要等到2013年才有能力發射這種新型火箭。

北京表示，其太空項目是為了和平目的。但有人擔心，中國的太空努力可能會導致與美國之間的太空競賽，特別是在中國今年1月發射一枚導彈擊毀了自己的一枚陳舊衛星之後。

China is planning to build a new family of rockets to boost the country's capabilities to put satellites and space stations into orbit. Chinese state media say the new Long March 5 carrier rockets will be made in the northern port city of Tianjin and sent into space from a new launch center based in the tropical island province of Hainan.

China will not be able to launch the new generation of rockets until 2013.

Beijing says its intentions in space are peaceful, but some are concerned that its efforts in the sector may trigger a space race with the United States, especially after China launched a missile to blow up one of its own satellites in January.

中國柴油短缺觸發排長隊及配額 (Diesel Fuel Shortage in China Triggers Long Lines, Rationing)

中國的柴油短缺導致全國某些地區出現了加油站排長隊以及購油限量。中國管理人員以及地方新聞媒體說，柴油短缺干擾了中國一些主要的沿岸地區，諸如上海和中國的主要出口省份廣東、浙江以及福建的卡車運輸。

警方說，在中國中部的河南省，一人因在加油站插隊購買燃油，後來在引發的爭鬥中被打死。

柴油短缺可能對經濟的影響目前還不清楚。中國石油化工公司星期三說，該公司正在努力設法解決柴油供應的問題，並將在11月進口更多的石油。該公司說，石油價格攀升是造成現有狀況的部分原因。

A shortage of diesel fuel in China is triggering long lines at the pump in some parts of the country, and fuel rationing. Managers and local Chinese media say diesel fuel shortages have disrupted trucking in major coastal areas such as Shanghai and China's export-driven provinces of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian.

Police say a man in central Henan province was killed in a brawl after he cut in line at a gas station.

The possible economic impact is still unclear, and Wednesday, China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, said it is working hard to resolve problems with the diesel fuel supply and that it will import more oil in November. The company says rising oil prices are partly to blame for the situation.