Corn imports show steady growth

Corn imports by China, the world's second-biggest consumer, jumped in December as shipments from Ukraine surged from the previous month.

PMI signals industrial stabilization, analysts say

A gauge of manufacturing activity recovered lost ground in January, suggesting stimulus measures have helped stabilize the world's second-largest economy.

IN BRIEF (Page 7)

Time to push on with IMF reform

As the US Congress failed to incorporate the International Monetary Fund reform package of November 2010 into its budget legislation, the IMF quota and governance reforms are once again stalled.

World trade rules should be written and abided by all

In his State of the Union address delivered on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama said: "China wants to write the rules for the world's fastest-growing region. That would put our workers and businesses at a disadvantage. ... We should write those rules." Comments:

Wanda invests in football dreams

ON WEDNESDAY, Dalian Wanda Group, one of China's enterprise giants, announced it was investing 45 million euros ($52 million) on purchasing 20 percent shares of Atlético de Madrid, thus becoming its second largest shareholder. Wang Jianlin, Wanda's boss, said it would "help homegrown football players and narrow the gap between China and the rest of the world". Comments:

Hot Words

President Xi Jinping has given important instructions recently on political and legal work. He said, "We should cultivate a political and legal team that is loyal to the country, the people and the law. We should guarantee that the sword hilt is firmly held in the Party and the people's hands."

Move for better law enforcement

At long last, the performance assessment mechanisms for law enforcement agencies are to be adjusted. The mal-designed assessment requirements, the misleading quotas that have been adopted in particular, are an obvious source of injustice and corruption.

Environment a valuable asset

Developing the less-developed inland areas is not only a responsibility for the local governments concerned, it is a joint endeavor for all parties, said an article in People's Daily on Thursday.

Cartoon

Cartoon

Obama's speech a show of US hypocrisy

It's that time of year again, time for the State of the Union, the annual speech where the president of the United States proclaims the state of the union and outlines legislative priorities.

Modern Greek theater and Europe's future

Politicians in Berlin and Brussels are not too inclined to give in to being blackmailed by Alexis Tsipras and a potential next Greek government led by him. And for good reason.