US will benefit by accepting China's rise

In the past year, the growing pressure on US President Barack Obama's foreign policy due to the unfolding US presidential race cast a shadow on US-China ties despite some achievements.

Constructive role in defusing the Syria crisis

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem both paid a visit to Beijing, albeit separately, last week, highlighting China's increasing role in the Middle East.

Japan's apology to ROK welcome, but not enough

With Japan offering an apology and 1 billion yen (about $8.3 million) to help establish a foundation to support the women forced to work as sex slaves during the Japanese occupation of the Republic of Korea, the two countries agreed to settle their long-standing differences over the so-called comfort women on Monday.

Suicides not end of responsibility

Will suicide end the responsibility of officials for the accidents they should have been held accountable for?

Local officials have duty to protect environment for people's well-being

THE PASSING YEARS have seen the polluting of the natural environment worsening nationwide. Data show that two-thirds of urban residents breathe polluted air while 280 million residents drink unsafe water. The authorities need to curb pollution even if that means slower economic growth, says a comment on China Youth Daily:

1992 Consensus leaves no room for word games

DURING the latest televised debate for the island's 2016 leadership election, Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, said that the 1992 Consensus, which was built on the one-China principle, was "an option, but not the only option". Eastday.com has criticized Tsai's ambiguous stance and urges her to stop seeking "Taiwan independence":

Market can judge poem translation

A CHINESE translation of Stray Birds, a collection of poems by the Indian Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, has been recalled from shelves by the publisher, Zhejiang Literature and Arts Press, after it sparked wide controversy. Translated by Feng Tang, a 44-year-old writer from Beijing, the version shocked readers with its racy choice of words. A comment on ifeng.com says:

Hot words

Make cheating in national exams a crime

Cartoon

US' accusation about anti-terror law

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, approved the country's first counterterrorism law on Sunday. The new law, which will enter into force on Friday, proposes a national leading body to identify terrorist activities and personnel and coordinate nationwide anti-terrorist work. This will help fight terrorism at home and help maintain global security.

PLA obliged to protect overseas interests

Chinese national Fan Jinghui was beheaded by Islamic State terrorists in November. Of the less than 10 Chinese citizens being kidnapped overseas for ransom, this one ended in the most appalling of crimes.

First V-Day military parade justified

The year 2015 saw China organize a series of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the triumph of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).