"This important research from a team of international scientists is another significant milestone in this field and provides insights critical for the development of better treatments for HIV."

Helen Pickersgill, contributing editor of the journal Science, following a breakthrough in HIV research by a team comprising Chinese scientists and US experts announced last week.

"If the two countries can simplify visa procedures in the near future, we will see another surge in tourism."

Shao Qiwei, director of the China National Tourism Administration, said Thailand had become the second-biggest tourist destination country for Chinese in the first nine months of the year.

"Looking at China's efforts to address pollution in light of its environmental policy of the last 10 years, I must say I could imagine that it is possible."

Achim Steiner, UN under-secretary-general, is confident that China's air pollution problems will be alleviated as the country embarks on a transition toward a greener economy.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/15/2013 page3)