Cherish rekindled relations

During Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono's visit to Beijing on the weekend, the first since he assumed the office in August, the two countries agreed on the important role that high-level exchanges can play in improving and developing bilateral ties, and to work together to create a suitable atmosphere to convene a summit for the leaders of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea at an early date.

Industrial heritage sites are an important cultural legacy

THE CHINA ASSOCIATION for Science and Technology has published the first batch of 100 industrial heritage sites in 12 cities that it recommends be put under government protection. Workers' Daily commented on Wednesday:

Relief stations are not B&Bs for travelers

A YOUNG MAN rescued from cold by the police in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, was later found to have received aid from relief stations across China 234 times in the past two years. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

App a better way to utilize scarce parking spaces

PARKING IN city centers is a headache for drivers around the world. In most central business districts, there is a shortage of parking spaces in the daytime. To address this issue, the authorities in Beijing's Xicheng district are piloting a smartphone app to facilitate and encourage the sharing of parking spaces in the district. Beijing News comments:

Hot words

Tough battle to control and prevent pollution

Cartoon

US triggering a trade war it can't win

Protectionist from the start, US President Donald Trump's administration has now moved from rhetoric to action in its avowed campaign to defend US workers from what Trump calls the "carnage" of "terrible trade deals". This approach is backward-looking at best. At worst, it could very well spark retaliatory measures that will only exacerbate the plight of beleaguered middle-class American consumers. This is exactly how trade wars begin.

Ancient texts not a burden on students

The newly revised senior high school curriculum includes more ancient Chinese poems and prose for recitation, sparking a public discussion on whether it will increase the burden on students. A Ministry of Education official has said recitation should not be regarded as a burden, as it will make students more familiar with traditional culture.

New US nuke policy could spark fresh weapons race

It seems US President Donald Trump is unshakable in his determination to nullify the legacies of his predecessor Barack Obama. After the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and the 2015 Paris climate accord, another Obama legacy with global significance - his push for a "nuclear-free world" - also looks shaky.

Reboot for Sino-UK ties in the wake of Brexit

With the largest-ever trade delegation in her entourage of any overseas trip made by a British prime minister, Theresa May's three-day visit to China certainly means business.

Milestone on successful path

The dramatic transformation of China over the past four decades means there are significant statistics to mark the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up this year. For example, the country's GDP hit 82.71 trillion yuan ($13.06 trillion) last year, about 230 times that of 1978, and China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty.

Open letter to media reveals harm controlling parents can do children

A UNIVERSITY psychology researcher in Beijing released an open letter to the media, in which he attributed the psychological disorder he has suffered since childhood to his parents, who he has not spoken to for 12 years. Southern Metropolis Daily comments: