TRADING PEOPLE: Several Chinese citizens with permits to work in Taiwan were detained for their role in a group that helped Chinese to enter the country illegally
By Jimmy Chuang
The Ministry of Justice has cracked a major people-smuggling ring, it said yesterday, although it would not confirm reports that the group helped Chinese spies enter Taiwan by providing fake identifications.

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ADVANCES: Analysts said that the Iraqis might have retreated into the capital after US troops faced little resistance taking over Saddam International Airport
Iraq said last night that it might take "non-conventional" action last night night against US-led forces who have seized Baghdad airport.

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The US Congress by an overwhelming margin on Thursday approved nearly US$80 billion to finance the war in Iraq, reward key allies, bolster anti-terrorism efforts and help struggling airlines.

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A Russian news Web site has published a report claiming that two former top Soviet military officers visited Iraq less than two weeks before the start of war to advise the Iraqi military leadership.

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STOOD UP: Several firms who had booked booths at this year's sporting goods show are worried that their foreign buyers will stay home this time
By Annabel Lue
Exhibitors at the upcoming Taipei International Sporting Goods Show yesterday implored the event's host to postpone or cancel the April show because many foreign buyers, worried about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), will stay away.

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