China reduces US debt holdings

China reduced its holdings of US treasuries to a seven-month low in January, amid concerns that the world's largest bond market might suffer headwinds from impending interest rate increases.

Natural gas shortage unlikely in 2018

Meeting China's rising demand for natural gas, especially in the heating season, could prove to be challenging due to limited domestic output, slow pipeline imports and distribution network bottlenecks. However, experts believe a natural gas shortage is unlikely this coming winter as higher liquefied natural gas imports will help bridge the supply demand gap.

Baidu invests in Skyworth unit

Baidu Inc has invested 1.01 billion yuan ($159.7 million) in Coocaa, a smart television unit owned by consumer electronics producer Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd, as part of the search giant's wider push into the smart hardware sector.

IN BRIEF (Page 9)

Truth-seeking pragmatism at heart of CPPCC's role

The First Plenary Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference closed on Thursday, with 5,360 proposals received from its 2,158 members, covering a wide range of issues in such fields as politics, the economy, culture and ecology.

US cannot use China as a punch bag for trade blows

It has been said that all the vices offer at least some kind of pleasure, except for one, and Washington seems intent on proving that the only exception is envy, which causes nothing but irritation, bitterness and rage.

Government on course to achieve its growth and unemployment targets

THE SPOKESMAN for the National Bureau of Statistics said at a regular media briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that the economic data of the first two months of this year indicate that the country's economic growth is stabilizing and the good momentum will be extended this year. Beijing News comments:

New ministry can revitalize rural areas

IN THE GOVERNMENT restructuring plan that the State Council, China's Cabinet, submitted for the review to the country's top legislature on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture is to be replaced by a new ministry of agriculture and rural affairs. Beijing News comments:

Legitimate rights of online shoppers must be protected

ON WEDNESDAY, the eve of World Consumer Rights Day, Liu Liu, a well-known writer, complained on social media that a shop selling goods purchased overseas on one of the most popular online shopping platforms sold her friend fake goods. Qianjiang Evening News comments:

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Making poverty reduction inclusive

During his speech at the opening of the annual sessions of China's top legislature, Premier Li Keqiang said the government would lift 10 million people out of poverty this year alone. This is a tremendous task, yet one I am confident that China can succeed in.

Specific policies needed to raise birthrate

That the National Health and Family Planning Commission will be transformed into the National Health Commission, by also incorporating the elderly care organizations and some health agencies under other ministries, has sparked heated discussions on its far-reaching impact. The decision to set up a new commission to manage family planning and provide public services is a timely response to the demographic changes in the new era.