Socialist system of laws with Chinese characteristics established by 2010: white paper

The central government has issued a review of its codification of China's legal framework.

Dubbing it a milestone in the development of the legal system, the white paper says the government now has, what it describes, as a socialist legal system in place as of the end of last year.

As of the end of this August, the legislature has brought in some 240 laws, over 700 new administrative regulations, and over 86-hundred local rules.

The white paper adds the laws that have been established are based on the conditions and realities of China.

Eurozone leaders reach deal

European leaders have now reached a deal to work through the eurozone debt crisis.

As part of the rescue package agreed to in Brussels, European banks have agreed to write off around 100-billion euros worth of Greece's debt.

The deal also includes a write-down of 50-percent for private bond holders.

French President Nicholas Sarkozy also says the European bailout fund is going to be expanded to one-trillion Euros.

The current bailout fund is 440-billion euros.

Turkey takes foreign aid

Turkey is now seeking foreign aid to help the country cope with the aftermath of Sunday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

A Turkish news agency is reporting that the government now believes that it's going to need assistance for both reconstruction and temporary accommodation for the thousands who have been left homeless.

Turkey has currently rejected any foreign aid until now.

Israel, Japan and Ukraine are said to be ready to send aid, with the Israeli government claiming that the Turkish side has already sent in a request for assistance.

Meanwhile, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is acknowledging flaws in the government's response in the first 24 hours after the earthquake.

"We admit that we failed in the beginning, within the first 24 hours. We acknowledge flaws but these mistakes are pretty normal in such incidents."

So far over 480 people are confirmed dead, with 1600 reported as injured.

Thai PM warns Bangkok should embrace the worst

Thailand's Prime Minister is raising yet another flood alert in her country's capital.

Yingluck Shinawatra is warning that all parts of Bangkok are now vulnerable to flooding.

"The massive flood water is most likely to overpower barriers and floodgates that protect Bangkok. It is highly possible that the water will spill into the areas of central, the inner and outer ring of Bangkok."

Shinawatra is warning that Bangkok could be inundated with up to one-and-a-half meters of water.

Hundreds of people who had been taking shelter at Bangkok's secondary airport, Don Muang, are now being moved out as flood waters have reached the runway.

Meantime, floodwaters are now threatening Bangkok's Chinatown district as authorities and locals try to stem the flooding with cement barriers and sandbags.

So far, the country's worst flooding in over half a century has killed more than 360 people and forced some 100-thousand others from their homes.

NTC head calls for further NATO help

The head of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council is pleading with NATO to extend its mission in the country.

Abdel Jalil says he wants NATO to remain in Libya until the end of this year.

Jalil says NATO is still needed to help to disarm the country and deal with lingering Gaddafi loyalists.

NATO is tentatively planning to end its operations in Libya by the end of this month, though a final decision isn't expected until Friday.

Chinese vice premier meets South Korean PM on relations, regional peace

Chinese vice Premier Li Keqiang has met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik in Seoul.

The Chinese vice premier has put forward proposals to develop closer ties between the two countries.

The two have also touched on the potential resumption of the 6-party talks.

Li Keqiang has also met with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak following his arrival in Seoul for a two-day official visit.

This follows his earlier diplomatic mission to North Korea earlier this week.

Vice foreign minister stresses China-Africa cooperation

Chinese vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun is pushing for more cooperation between China and Africa.

The suggesting is being made at a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation taking place this week in Hangzhou.

More than 240 officials from China and Africa have been taking part in the sessions.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was originally established in 2000.

China delayed birth of seven billionth baby for five years: expert

A leading Chinese demographer is now suggesting that without China's family planning policy, the world's 7th billionth person would have been born 5 years ago.

Zhai Zhenwu, dean of Renmin University's School of Sociology and Population, contends that China's population would be around 1.7-billion right now if the "one-child policy" wasn't put into place in the 1970's.

China's population is currently estimated at 1.34 billion.

The United Nations predicts the world's population will officially reach 7 billion by the end of this month.