Consumer demand more than indicated

The latest trade data may have caused some raised eyebrows about the health of China's economy, which is a key growth engine for the global economy, but it is simply counterintuitive to believe that, while Chinese consumers are buying out formula milk powder in other countries' supermarkets, its domestic demand is as battered as the double-digit plunge in its imports suggest.

Tackle smog effectively

Is China well prepared for the rapid expansion of an increasing number of big cities such as national and provincial capitals? The severe smog shrouding most major cities in Northeast China is an indicator that more needs to be done to improve the air quality if China is to provide its urban residents with a comfortable and healthy living environment.

Authorities can nip speculation in the bud with timely responses

THE BODY OF XIAO WENSUN, the mayor of Liuzhou in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was recovered from the local river earlier this month. The cause of his drowning is still unknown and is under investigation. However, the local government's tardiness in revealing information has given rise to a wave of online speculation. Comments:

Campus intimacy restrictions well-intentioned

THE RULES FOR FRESHMEN in Jilin Jianzhu University in Northeast China's Jilin province, which forbid "uncivilized behavior" such as boyfriends and girlfriends feeding each other in the school canteen, have triggered heated online discussion. Comments:

Education not level playing for all children

A 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL sued the Pudong Education Bureau in Shanghai for violating her rights by not allocating her to the "nearest" primary school within her school district. The girl asked for one-yuan (16 cents) in compensation for the stress caused by panicking about where she was to be assigned. The verdict of the court was not guilt on the educational authority part. Comments:

Hot words

Second wave of laid-offs

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TPP not a real challenge for China's economy

On the surface the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is about trade and investment. But seen closely, it is a smart move by the United States to set the bar higher for China in global trade and investment.

Maternity insurance key to promoting new family planning policy

China has loosened the family planning policy and decided to allow all couples to have two children. The aim, among others, is to increase the country's fertility rate in order to ease the pressure of the fast aging population. But the question is: Will the goal be fulfilled?

Reform and appropriate policies can support growth

In the face of the tangible slowdown in national economic growth that began last year, it is necessary for the government to introduce some proactive fiscal and monetary policies to deal with looming deflation.

EU should urge US to stop distrusting China

In recent years, China has responded positively to appeals of shouldering more international responsibilities. Even the communique issued after the recent Fifth Plenum of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee, which was held mainly to hammer out the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), said China would shoulder more global responsibilities.

Resumption of IPOs will keep stock market sound

Just as China's stock market jumped more than 20 percent from its August low, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced on Friday that it will resume initial public offerings, which were halted amid a market rout in July.