CHINESE MUST CARRY ID CARDS, LEARN SLOGANS

Chinese were ordered Sunday to carry identity cards and learn 40 slogans to mark the 40th anniversary of the Communist state on Oct.1, further signs that hard-liners are tightening their grip. From Oct. 15 Chinese citizens will have to carry ID cards - the first time this has been compulsory since 1949, the Beijing Daily said Sunday.

More than 570 million cards have been issued since 1985, 74 percent of the total to be given out, it said.