Help get relations right

He may have been overly optimistic in portraying relations between the United States and China as "friendship", but Max Baucus, the new US ambassador to China, hit the nail on the head when he said the two countries had to get their relationship right.

Keep kids from harm

The scandal of two private kindergartens in Xi'an, which administered antiviral drugs to the children in their care without the parents knowing, is just the latest in a string of cases that have tainted the country's education system, says a Xinhua commentary.

Meaning of the Crimea crisis

The referendum in Crimea, the evolving situation in Ukraine and Russia's proactive foreign policy will have a far-reaching impact on international relations. New facts have been established in Eastern Europe. Ukraine does not recognize the referendum and will not agree to Crimea becoming a part of Russia, nor will the United States and most members of the international community. But no country will attempt to physically challenge it.

Xi's proactive foreign policy fruitful

The first year of Chinese President Xi Jinping has been one of the most active periods for China's foreign policy. By championing a proactive foreign policy, Xi has injected enormous energy into China's diplomacy, though he also must ensure that it does not result in unnecessary conflicts with neighboring countries, for he would not like his foreign policy to disrupt his two main goals of economic reforms and eliminating corruption.

Letters

Foreign education trends

From the Chinese press

Kids deserve healthy growth

A legacy for the future

On Sept 7, 2013, while visiting Central Asia, President Xi Jinping proposed that China and the countries of Central Asia draw on the inspiration of the ancient Silk Road and join hands to build on their friendly cooperation over the past 20 years to construct a Silk Road economic belt. This initiative represents a blueprint for common development and common security that will improve the lives of people throughout the region.

Cartoon

Dual public-private education model needed

In a bid to establish more equal education opportunities, the Ministry of Education is piloting a new policy in the country's 19 biggest cities whereby all primary schools must enroll all their students from within their communities while 90 percent of junior middle schools should enroll a majority of their students from within their communities. This is aimed at preventing the best schools being the preserve of children whose parents have money, power or connections.

Cool heads over Crimea

So far, each of the parties involved, directly and indirectly, has proceeded on its set course:

Heavy fine on air polluter

Last week, the Beijing environmental authorities issued the first fine to a company under the city's new Air Pollution Prevention and Control Regulation, which came into effect on March 1.

Western hypocrisy in Ukraine

Double standards are on display as Western leaders attack Russia for its stance on and "actions" in Ukraine, while they themselves endorse or commit worse aggression on other countries.