Probe into MH17 lost in US-created chaos

The sordid drama continues. The investigation into the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash hasn't reached anywhere, at least officially, even a month after it blew up into pieces. The Western powers, led by the United States, have intensified their diatribe against Russia. The G7 has imposed fresh sanctions on Moscow, condemning "Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and actions to destabilize eastern Ukraine" because those actions "are unacceptable and violate international law". The G7, comprising the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan, has demanded "a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation" into the downing of MH17 and called "upon all sides to establish, maintain and fully respect a cease-fire at and around the crash site ... so that the investigators can take up their work ..."

Letters

Welcome China's gesture

From the Chinese press

Let's end doctor-patient conflicts

Defending the rule of law

Rules on political donations in HKSAR need to be tightened to require political organizations to declare the funds they get

Cartoon

China's helping hand welcome in Africa

"Banshou, please."

Voices of the silent majority

BRAVING A SCORCHING SUN ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, more than 190,000 Hongkongers marched through the main streets of the city's central business district to raise their voices against the "Occupy Central" movement. Like the nearly 1.5 million citizens who signed the petition against the illegal movement, they wanted to ensure their previously silent voices would be heard.

Chasing corrupt officials

ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC FORUM MEMBERS met in Beijing on Friday to launch the APEC Network of Anti-Corruption Authorities and Law Enforcement Agencies, which will hopefully facilitate cross-border cooperation in the fight against graft. For China, which has been trying its best to prevent corrupt officials from escaping overseas, it is undoubtedly good news.

Asia's reform trinity, shift gear now

Asia is poised to enter a historical sweet spot, with three of its most populous countries - China, India and Indonesia - led by strong, dynamic and reform-minded leaders. In fact, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesia's President-elect Joko "Jokowi" Widodo could end up ranked among their countries' greatest modern leaders.

Dry reality of droughts in China

From times immemorial, China has faced droughts, with some parts of the country facing the curse every two to three years. The damage droughts have inflicted on China's socioeconomic fabric was relative to their intensity and duration. For instance, the drought in 1994-95 was so intense that it caused a loss of $13.8 billion.

Letters

Engage people to ensure food safety

From the Chinese press

Treat Japan athletes with respect