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How to break the oil spell over OPEC

One clear lesson for oil-exporting countries in recent years, and especially in 2016, is that they should adjust their public policies to promote innovation and diversify their economies. The agreement of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in late November to cut production - the first in eight years - doesn't change this, regardless of the short-term increase in prices.

Reform can help ease tax burden of firms

Cao Dewang, chairman and founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group in Southeast China's Fujian province, recently complained that the tax rates in China are higher than in the United States. The difference in corporate taxes in China and the US is owing to their different taxation structures. China's taxation mainly consists of indirect taxes on enterprises, while the US gets its tax revenues mainly from direct taxes imposed on individuals. That's why enterprises feel the tax burden in China is heavier.

Treat doctors fairly to curb medical graft

A small box of medicines to treat coryza costs 129 yuan ($18.6). If you think the price is not high, consider this: Of that amount, a medicine salesperson pays a kickback of 45 yuan to the doctor so that he/she prescribes it to patients.

Europe has reason to feel cheerful but it must oppose protectionism

When describing the condition of the European Union, many are inclined to recite a long list of crises facing Europeans. Apart from the fallout from the Brexit vote, mass migrations of displaced people, terrorism, changes in leadership and other events, they usually claim Europe is still in economic recession.

China's space ambitions are for the benefit of all

Last month, two Chinese astronauts returned from a 30-day stay aboard the Tiangong II space laboratory. It was China's longest manned mission so far, and its success paves the way for the planned launch of a fully functioning, permanently crewed space station in six years.

Sign of resolve for reform

In a show of its firm determination to eliminate overcapacity in the steel sector, the central government recently extended punishments to the officials of two steel companies who were responsible for the violations of relevant laws and regulations.

New law on pre-installed apps is step in the right direction

THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY has announced a temporary regulation covering pre-installed apps that will take effect on July 1. According to the regulation, smartphone producers should make sure users can dismantle all the pre-installed apps except those necessary for basic operations. Beijing Youth Daily commented:

Growing capability to extend range of defense

A BATTLE GROUP OF CHINESE WARSHIPS led by the CNS Liaoning, China's only aircraft carrier, is heading for the Western Pacific to conduct an open-sea exercise beyond the so-called first island chain, which consists of the Ryukyu Islands currently under Japanese administration, China's Taiwan, and the northern Philippines. Beijing News commented on Tuesday:

Cultural relics not an enemy to bulldozers

HUNDREDS OF ancient Chinese tombs dating more than 2,000 years were discovered during the construction of a city square in Ruzhou, Central China's Henan province. However, the construction work continued and soon turned into a real estate development project. Beijing Times commented on Tuesday:

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Unremitting pursuit of space dream

The Information Office of the State Council on Tuesday published a white paper on China's space activities in 2016. Following is the full text: