We've got six great stories from China that you may have missed this week, including an innovative new rice technology platform, honors for Chinese astronauts and high level talks between China and Australia. Click on the sub headings to find out more.

China opens national rice sci-tech platform to boost rice industry

A national rice science and technology innovation platform was opened on Wednesday, which aims to promote new rice varieties and technologies. Wu Kongming, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, says the institute will cooperate with local research institutes and colleges on projects.

Located in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the platform will operate under the China National Rice Research Institute.

China allocates $27.4 million disaster relief fund for typhoon-hit regions

China's Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Emergency Management on Tuesday allocated $27.4 million of central natural disaster relief funds to Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi and Hainan, all of which were recently hit by typhoons and floods.

The funds are intended to be used for typhoon disaster relief work and to support post-disaster reconstruction.

China honors Shenzhou-15 mission taikonauts with medals

Three taikonauts from the Shenzhou-15 crew mission were awarded medals for their service to China's space endeavors on Thursday. Fei Junlong, the Mission Commander, was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu each received the honorary title of 'Heroic Astronaut' and third-class medals.

The awards were given by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

Seventh meeting of China-Australia High-level Dialogue held in Beijing

The seventh meeting of the China-Australia High-level Dialogue was held on Thursday in Beijing, for the first time since 2020. The Chinese side welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit China at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang and worked with Australian ambassadors to make all the preparations for the visit. 

China told Australia it believes that a healthy and stable relationship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and is conducive to the peace, stability, development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world. 

The 6th Silk Road Expo to explore the essence of the Silk Road culture took place

The 6th Silk Road International Cultural Expo opened in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, on Wednesday. With this year's theme being 'Connecting the World, Cultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations.'

The two-day event aims to explore the essence of the Silk Road culture, further develop people-to-people exchanges, and consider how best to preserve the region's varied cultural heritages and traditions, organizers said.

China wins men's team title at Asian Table Tennis Championships

China defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 to win the men's team title at the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Wednesday to secure qualification for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. 

Wang Chuqin was the first player for China and he edged Kao Cheng-Jui 3-2  to win the first match for his side. Fan Zhendong was the second to play for China and his opponent was Lin Yun-Ju. It also took Fan five games to defeat Lin. China's third player Liang Jingkun had a relatively quick win over Chuang Chih-Yuan 3-0, sealing the final victory for his side.

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