How real is the tax burden

The debate on the tax burden is growing among Chinese as they become more conscious about being taxpayers. A recent Chinese Academy of Social Sciences report has added vigor to that debate by saying that "the per capita tax burden in China is nearly 10,000 yuan ($1,633)".

The dialectics of China's tax burden

Some experts have claimed that the "per capita tax burden" in China is close to 10,000 yuan ($1,633). Although scholars with the Ministry of Finance have refuted the claim, the issue has sparked a heated public debate.

Letters

Rural kids need good education

From the Chinese Press

Make austerity permanent affair

Rebalancing of the economy

Once again, all eyes are on emerging markets. Long the darlings of the global growth sweepstakes, they are being battered in early 2014. Perceptions of resilience have given way to fears of vulnerability.

Cartoon

Right wing forces are behind Abe

On Dec 26, Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, where 14 Class-A war criminals convicted in the Tokyo Trials are enshrined. Abe totally ignored the consequences of stepping into the shrine to offer his so-called prayers to the spirits of Japan's war dead. In fact, the visit was an act of homage to his spiritual belief, a strong impetus to Japan's right-wing forces, as well as a challenge to the victory against fascism and the post-war international order.

United against terrorism

There is never any justification for the killing of innocent people on any grounds and at any time.

Modernizing governance

Whether or not China can sustain its unprecedented growth miracle after decades of rapid economic expansion is largely dependent on whether the dividends from a new round of reforms can be released, says a Xinhua commentary.

Grave and complex terrorist situation

Terrorism has always accompanied human civilization, but it has become especially rampant in the 21st century. After the terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept 11, 2001, and the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has spread to more countries and regions. While Afghanistan, Pakistan and some other countries in North Africa or the Middle East continue suffering from organized attacks, the US, Russia, the Britain, and even China have also fallen victim to them.

What's the buzz

With the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference beginning, what are the issues that concern you most this year? What kind of proposals would you raise if you were an NPC deputy?

Letters

Abe doing a disservice to Japan