China slashes Palau on hyping up missile test

Palau will not succeed in its attempt to hijack the positions of other member states of Pacific Islands Forum by hyping up China's recent missile test, said foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Thursday in Beijing.

Guo made the remark at a regular press briefing in response to a media inquiry.

"China has more than once made clear its position on the test launch. Palau has repeatedly raised this issue in an ill-intentioned attempt to hijack the position of other member states of the Pacific Islands Forum. It will not have its way," said Guo.

"China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. We never engage in military expansion. China stands ready to work with South Pacific countries to contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the South Pacific region," said Guo.

China slashes Palau on hyping up missile test

A giant panda cub born this year is testing its reach -- and its teeth -- at a breeding center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Footage filmed on Aug 13 and Aug 18 at the Sunshine Delivery House for Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding shows the cub rising on its hind legs. It props its chin on a window ledge before reaching for and gnawing at a short strip of wood on the slatted wall.

In another sequence, the cub rolls upright, curls into a ball, and then stretches out again on the floor.

The Chengdu base is a world-renowned facility for ex-situ conservation, research, and breeding of giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wildlife native to China. It also runs public education and eco-tourism programs.

Panda cub stretches, explores and nibbles at Chengdu base