The strange and mysterious structures discovered on Google Maps lurking in remote regions of China actually have scientific uses, including satellite calibration, according to experts. more ›

What would summer be without an ol' fashioned Uighur repression campaign? "China announced a two-month 'strike hard' security campaign on Tuesday in the troubled western region of Xinjiang, with 24-hour police patrols of crowded areas, identity checks, street searches, increased criminal investigations and accelerated trials. The latest mobilization of the region’s security apparatus follows a five-week spate of violence that has resulted in at least three dozen deaths. A statement on Xinjiang’s Web site said that the latest campaign was aimed at 'destroying a number of violent terrorist groups and ensuring the region’s stability.'" [New York Times] more ›

Over 16,000 people were stranded in Sichuan and Xinjiang last night after a giant fog enveloped Western China, just in time to screw up traffic for Spring Festival season. Visibility was less than 10 meters, not even close to the 500 meters required for take off. Expressways linking Chengdu to several nearby cities also had to be closed. But no need to get misty-eyed about a bleary situation for our West China friends, by 5am flights had started up again and traffic began its slow crawl by 11am. Spokespeople for Chengdu airport said they should clear the backlog by late tonight. Source: Xinhua more ›