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You are listening to NEWS Plus Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.
Some two dozen new intercity rail lines will be built by the end of 2030, to boost more coordinated development of Beijing and its neighboring areas.
With a total length of 3,400 kilometers, the planned lines will link big cities including Beijing and the northern port city of Tianjin, as well as major towns and important industrial zones in Hebei Province.
A network will be formed whereby travel time between major cities in the region will be reduced to within two hours.
The network consists of three main lines connecting Beijing with Tianjin, and other major cities in the region.
The central government expects the coordinated development in the region will help readjust regional economic structures and nurture new growth sectors.
The medium-term target of the strategy is to control the permanent population of Beijing to below 23 million by 2020, and to relieve Beijing's urban issues including air pollution and traffic congestion.
The final goal of the project is to build the region into an integrated one with better economic structures, improved public services, as well as worldwide influence.
You are listening to NEWS Plus Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.
Chinese painter, sculptor and designer Han Meilin has been designated as a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
Han was chosen in recognition of his long-term commitment to promoting art and artistic education in China, as well as his support to providing quality education to young people.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said UNESCO wants to further cooperate with Han Meilin in the future, especially in supporting young talents.
The event coincided with UNESCO's 70th anniversary and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.
Han said he was honored, and had a mission and a responsibility, noting that he would support UNESCO's activities in the fields of culture, education and other areas.
Through his appointment, Han joins a roster of internationally renowned people including actress Gong Li and Canadian singer Celine Dion. They use their influence and prestige to help promote UNESCO's ideals and programs.
