Continuity to fuel global economy in 2018

Economists like me are asked a set of recurring questions that might inform the choices of enterprises, individuals and institutions in areas such as investment, education and jobs, as well as their policy expectations. In most cases, there is no definitive answer. But, with sufficient information, one can discern trends, in terms of economies, markets and technology, and make reasonable guesses.

Legislator gives working women in Japan a strong voice and a face

Hardly had the 42-year-old lawmaker Yuka Ogata, carrying her seven-month-old son, sat down in the Kumamoto Municipal Assembly when four male members including Chairman Yoshotomo Sawada asked her why she had brought the baby into the chamber. Eventually, officials of the assembly on Kyushu Island in southern Japan booted her out, citing a rule that "visitors" are forbidden from the floor during a session.

Media failed Wu in life and even in death

Wu Yongning, known for scaling skyscrapers without safety equipment to snap astonishing selfies, died last month after slipping off a 62-story building in Changsha, Hunan province. The video of the 26-year-old's accidental fall went viral online about a month later.

Timely news on military will boost public confidence

The official micro blog or weibo of the People's Liberation Army Air Force has sparked a heated discussion online by posting a piece of news saying the air force's planes have flown on routes and over areas which they had never flown before.

Party-to-party talks for mutual benefit

The recent Communist Party of China in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting in Beijing, the first such dialogue between the CPC and political parties from across the world, was organized with some specific goals in mind.

US can't rein in DPRK by using force

The international community is keeping a close eye on the Korean Peninsula situation as Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in pays a four-day state visit to China, especially because Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency termed the just concluded US-ROK military drill a "projected war rehearsal" that will push the already acute situation on the peninsula to "the brink of nuclear war".

No interference will be brooked in internal affairs

Beijing has never conceded and will not yield an inch on Taiwan being part of China. It is a matter that leaves no room for negotiation.

Repercussions of Fed's rate rise can be easily absorbed

In a vote of confidence in economic growth and job gains, the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to a range of 1.25 percent to 1.50 percent. It was the third time this year the Fed has raised the rate, and it projects three more increases next year.

WTO an important support for international economic stability

WITHOUT NAMING CHINA, the United States, European Union and Japan criticized overcapacity issues at the 11th ministerial-level meeting of the World Trade Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina, earlier this week. The US also officially notified the WTO that it does not recognize China's market economy status. Song Guoyou, deputy director of the Center for American Studies of Fudan University, commented in an article published by the Global Times on Thursday:

Risks of electric bike batteries need addressing

AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE BATTERY that was being recharged caught fire and caused a blaze that killed five people and injured nine others on Wednesday. Beijing News comments:

'Voluntary overtime' harms employers as well as employees

LIAONING PROVINCIAL Department of Human Resources and Social Security recently said that employers do not need to pay their employees overtime if they work extra hours without being asked. Beijing News comments:

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