Set minds on higher things

AT LAST, CLEAR SKY AGAIN AFTER SEVEN smoggy days.

Voices for the people

The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, starting from next week, are much-anticipated events.

Baucus can bring China to Congress

Senator Max Baucus of Montana was sworn in by US Vice-President Joseph Biden on Feb 21 as the country's new ambassador to China. The decision to nominate Baucus, according to many, was influenced by the US administration's domestic political calculus and the senator's work on US-China trade matters. But Baucus has another asset that should not be overlooked: 35 years of experience in US Congress. He is well positioned to help bridge the gap of understanding and trust between Congress and China, which could lead to more effective US and Chinese policymaking.

Much ado about raising a second child

Five provinces and municipalities have implemented the new family planning policy since the Third Plenum of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee passed it in November, and more provinces and regions will put it into practice later.

Hot words

Spiritual therapy for smog 精神治霾法 (jing shen zhi mai fa)

From the Chinese press

Lessons from Yu'ebao row

A battle that must be won

The severe smog that plagues a broad swathe of China is a warning sign of the country's deteriorating environment. The various environmental problems that have accumulated in the process of the country's accelerating industrialization and urbanization and the increasing constraint of resources mean the Chinese dream of building a beautiful homeland will be remote if these problems are not addressed.

Cartoon

HK would benefit from more tolerance

A small group of people in Hong Kong tarnished the city's image by gathering in a busy shopping district with megaphones last weekend and hurling verbal abuse at mainland tourists. The local government was quick to condemn the incident, which was motivated more by bigotry than by any genuine grievance.

Yuan's devaluation message

The unexpected fall of the yuan against the US dollar since mid February has gained far more attention than is justified by its size.

Frugal and efficient

This year's provincial and municipal "two sessions"-the local People's Congresses and committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference-concluded earlier this month. They followed a simpler blueprint than usual, as luxurious banquets were replaced by simple buffets, and practices such as sending gifts to deputies and offering them expensive hotel rooms, were less evident.

Golden chance to end graft

The new leadership of China, headed by Xi Jinping, the President, will complete its first year in office in March. Its dedicated mission is to broaden and deepen the time-tested reform and opening-up, which have commanded public support for more than 30 years.