Xinhua China News Digest at 16:00 GMT, Nov. 1

The following are China news stories moved by Xinhua News Agency as of 16:00 GMT, Nov. 1.

TOP STORIES:

* 3rd Ld-Writethru-China Focus: A/H1N1 flu 'spreading fast but under control' in China as millions inoculated

BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The A/H1N1 influenza was spreading rapidly across the country but it remained under control, an official with the Ministry of Health said here Sunday.

* 5th Ld-Writethru-China Focus: Cold front holds China as Beijing welcomes first snow this year

BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Biting cold and strong wind gripped Chinese provinces on Sunday as Beijing embraced its first snowfall this winter.

National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert against cold front Sunday morning, forecasting strong winds and temperature plummet in north, central and east China.

* China's PLA eyes future in space, air: air force commander

BEIJING, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- China will develop an air force with integrated capabilities for both offensive and defensive operations in space as well as in air, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Commander Xu Qiliang said Sunday.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

* China's economic policies, RMB exchange rate to remain stable: commerce minister

GUANGZHOU, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is to maintain basic stability and continuity in the economic policies and RMB exchange rate to ensure a foreseeable prospect for its businesses.

* HSBC raises 2009 China GDP growth forecast to 8.1 pct

SHANGHAI, Nov. 1 (Xinhua)-- HSBC has raised its forecast of China's GDP growth this year to 8.1 percent, said HSBC Group Chairman Stephen Green here Sunday.

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Duty editor: Lu Chuanzhong @ 8610 6307 2606

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