Family policy can succeed only with support

The policy allowing all couples to have two children has been in effect since Jan 1, but the authorities should improve policies related to pregnancy and childcare to raise China's total fertility rate. Since 2000 China has been in the lowest-low fertility rate trap, with the actual fertility rate being less than 1.3. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the total fertility rate in 2011, 2012 and 2013 was 1.04, 1.26 and 1.23, far below the population replacement rate, which has led to problems such as an aging population, "empty nest" families, gender imbalance and labor shortage.

A smoke-free China is a healthy China

Deputies to the National People's Congress, the top legislative body, and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or the top political advisory body, from around the country have descended (or will soon descend) on the capital to participate in the annual "two sessions". Since the Beijing local government passed the country's strongest anti-smoking law to date last year, visiting delegates will be able to enjoy a truly smoke-free environment in the city and during the course of the important discussions in the Great Hall of the People.

Internet-led financial innovation key to structural reforms

China's monetary easing policy to ensure ample liquidity in the financial system is welcome, but the fact remains that only more Internet-driven financial innovation can help such a favorable financial environment boost the country's job-creating small businesses.

Court case mirrors US world police mentality

The Hong Kong government has issued a statement in response to yet another example of wanton interference by the US government in the special administrative region's internal affairs.

Cost of restructuring bearable

Since China has made clear its resolve to promote the restructuring of sectors plagued by excessive overcapacity, there has been speculation at home and abroad whether the country will launch a new round of large-scale layoffs from factories.

Curb realty speculation in big cities, spur destocking in others

CHINA'S FIRST-TIER CITIES, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen, have witnessed a steady drop in housing inventory, after the central government issued a series of policies aimed at clearing a property glut in the country. Third- and fourth-tier cities, however, still have a long way to go in destocking their inventories. Governments at all levels are supposed to tailor their real estate policies based on local market conditions, said People's Daily on Tuesday.

Forcing victims to drop cases no solution to pollution

IN APRIL 2014, more than 300 children in Dapu town, Central China's Hunan province, were reported to be ill due to lead poisoning, with the finger of blame pointed at local company Meilun Dye and Chemical Plant. Fifty-three families sued the plant, yet the local government "persuaded" most of them to withdraw the case; of the 13 that insisted, only two got a compensation of 26,372 yuan ($4,112), according to a recent ruling. Gmw.cn said on Monday:

Father of jailed teenager shows lack of morals

ZHANG XINLEI was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in brutal gang attacks against two fellow Chinese teenagers in south California, the United States on Feb 17. In an interview with local media after the sentence, Zhang Fan, the father of the 19-year-old, showed his ignorance of some fundamental issues just like his son. Qianjiang Evening News said on Monday:

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Efficient economy through diplomacy

The year 2016 will usher in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), whose core economic goal is to build a high quality and efficient economy. In the current global economic and political environment, which is very different from the past, China needs to use economic diplomacy and all the economic tools at its disposal to achieve the goals.

Realty glut not a major concern for big cities

China's housing market is recovering, but unevenly. First-tier cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, have seen a real estate boom in the first two months of the year, with housing inventory dropping after the government issued a series of policies aimed at clearing the property glut across the country.