Cartoon

Inequality must be addressed

On Feb 1, in a train heading to his hometown, Mohe, the northernmost city of China, Dong Guofa appeared a bit bashful when interviewed by a television reporter. The man, in his 50s, had not eaten any food for a whole day since he left Dalian, Liaoning province, where he worked. He said he only had 300 yuan ($48) with him and he didn't want to use a single yuan, because the money was reserved for buying Spring Festival gifts for his family. A gentle smile spread over his face when he said he wanted to buy some candies and stationery for his granddaughter.

Peninsula needs restraint

With rising speculation that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea may soon conduct another nuclear test, tension is once again building on the peninsula. This is worrying, as it is detrimental to peace and stability in the region and beyond. The issue of foremost importance now is the parties concerned exercise the utmost restraint and prevent the situation from spinning out of control.

Reduce money supply

The recent controversy over whether China has issued excessive money reflects public worries about rising prices. Policymakers need to take heed of such concerns and find solutions to inflation.

Specific law on domestic abuse needed

The divorce case of the "Crazy English couple" was settled on Sunday with Kim Lee, the abused wife, getting 12 million yuan ($1.93 million) worth of property and 50,000 yuan as compensation for the trauma she suffered. The Beijing court that settled the divorce case also gave Lee the custody of the couple's three daughters and asked Crazy English franchise founder Li Yang to pay 100,000 yuan for each of the girls as annual child support until each reaches 18 years of age.

Invasion of privacy a tricky affair

It is not uncommon in China to be besieged by members of an extended family and grilled about why you are not yet married. Spring Festival, which is round the corner, is a traditional time for family reunions and visits by relatives. But for some young people, it is also a time to "face the music" as their personal life comes up for discussions at get-togethers.

Letters

Building a really green city

From the Chinese press

Call for objective reporting

Aiming at fairer realty market

A well-targeted property tax can become the government's best weapon in the battle to curb rising housing prices

Cartoon

Human Rights Watch reveals its bias

The US-based Human Rights Watch organization has issued its annual World Report, commenting on human rights conditions worldwide over the past year.

Safety on the roads

The fatal traffic accidents in the past few days should sound an alarm about the country's lax traffic safety system and call for more actions to guarantee nationwide road safety for the upcoming travel peak in the country's countdown to the Lunar New Year.