Here's your lunchtime news bulletin.

WHAT have the Chinese ever done for us? Well, aside from being a cradle of civilisation, having the largest population in the world as well as being the world’s fastest growing economy, it has given us paper and printing, noodles, gunpowder, the compass, the coffin, the rowing oar, Beijing Duck, acupuncture, the banknote, the bristle toothbrush, alcohol, toilet paper, the hand grenade, tea, and the restaurant menu, among other things.

At its annual conference, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has — on human rights grounds — called for an academic boycott of Israel.

Activists have called for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to challenge the Chinese government over human rights abuses during his visit to the country next week.

Chinese vice president Xi Jinping has pledged reliable trade with Ireland as Taoiseach Enda Kenny prepares to visit the People’s Republic next month.

Chelsea will learn tomorrow if their gamble to appeal against Frank Lampard’s red card against West Ham has paid off.

Chelsea are to give trials to four Chinese youngsters after agreeing a partnership with a talent show in the People’s Republic.

NO, Roy Keane wasn’t there last night. But everyone else was. They came to Turners Cross to see a coronation, and that’s exactly what they got on the night the Shed was decommissioned.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the China Open citing medical reasons.