COMPLETING THE LINK: Construction of the Jiaxing-Shaoxing sea-crossing bridge in east China's Zhejiang Province progresses as planned. The bridge is expected to come into use by the end of 2012 (XU YU)

232 million tons

China imported 232 million tons of crude oil in the first 11 months, up 6.1 percent year on year, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. The amount is close to the 239 million tons for the entire year of 2010.

2.125 billion yuan

The China Iron and Steel Association said 25 of the country's 77 large and medium-sized steel makers generated a combined loss of 2.125 billion yuan ($335.7 million) in October, an increase of 1.83 billion yuan ($288.19 million) from September.