China to spend $1.2 billion on quake-zone schools

The Chinese government will spend an extra 8 billion yuan ($1.17 billion) this year on making schools in earthquake-prone areas safer, state media said on Thursday.

"The safety of school buildings directly relates to the safety of teachers and students, and is related to social harmony and stability", according to a statement that was issued on the State Ministry of Education website (www.moe.edu.cn).