US should stop trying to make waves

The call from US Secretary of State John Kerry for a freeze on so-called provocative acts in the South China Sea at a regional meeting held in Myanmar over the weekend is just another example of the United States' meddling in the disputes.

Government not above law

ON THE ONE HAND, THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES in Beijing insist that they have conducted "intensive" and "active communication" with newsstands operators as well as the local newspaper and periodical retail company, the legal proprietor of the facilities, before "moving and changing" the 72 street-side kiosks in Chaoyang district. And that "most" operators had "agreed in principle".

Newsstands add cultural value

It is illogical that the same authority that had good reasons for introducing the newsstands originally is now demolishing them without proper warning before the contracts expire. Such conflicting actions are actually an abuse of public power whereby the urban authorities feel they can simply ban or demolish something that gets in the way of their idea of a modern city. But, it is unwise to make regulations just for ease of management, which is undoubtedly a simple and crude mode of administration.

Cartoon

Anti-trust move is fair, not targeted at foreign firms

When Rio Tinto employees were arrested for the theft of trade secrets and espionage in 2009 they accused China of using them as a bargaining chip in iron ore price negotiations.

Help helpers to help more people

If you are a resident of Southwest China's Sichuan province and have the tendency to come to people's rescue, you'd better be careful the next time you risk your life to save others. To put it more correctly, the local authorities in Sichuan will recognize you as a good Samaritan for your selfless act of courage only if you help a stranger within the province. For people who cannot help coming to the rescue of others, this could be a moral punishment.

Approach suicide stories gingerly

One of my frustrations living in China for three years was not being able to get accurate information. Sometimes the reason was badly worded surveys and other times suspicious research.

Letters

Charming dance of elderly

From the Chinese press

Museums must promote folk art

Do not let US stoke disputes

The annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held recently in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with the disputes and situation in the South China Sea on the agenda.

Ethiopia energizes itself with Chinese help

In the green highlands on the outskirts of Ethiopia's second-largest city, Adam, more than 100 three-blade wind turbines can be seen. When the two-phase wind farm goes into full operation soon, it will become this country's largest wind generating project.

Law applies to chengguan

THAT 72 ROADSIDE STALLS SELLING NEWSPAPERS and magazines were demolished overnight in Chaoyang district of Beijing a week ago suggests the lack of the sense about the rule of law on the part of the district's chengguan, government-operated urban patrol officers in charge of neighborhood order in cities and towns.