The only exceptions are major state projects such as the south-north water diversion project, the west-east natural gas transmission project and military projects, Ministry of Land and Resources official Huang Hetu said on September 9.

This is seen as part of the government's endeavor to guarantee 120 million hectares of arable land to ensure grain security. Local governments are supposed to carry out land reclamation to make up for the loss of existing arable land.

Internet Test Disturbance

A significant number of students in countries across Asia were unable to take their TOEFL iBT tests on September 8 because of Internet-related issues, Educational Testing Service officials announced. Test takers in other parts of the world were not affected.

The issue appears to be related to the temporary failure of Internet functionality outside of ETS's test delivery system, and steps are already being taken to reschedule affected test takers with a special administration in the near future.

Affected students will be contacted by phone this week. Test takers may take the special administration, reschedule for a more convenient future date or request a refund. Reimbursement will also be provided for reasonable and documented expenses associated with traveling to the test center.