How gas-for-coal program is carried out makes a difference

The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, has stepped in to coordinate the major natural gas suppliers to stabilize prices and ensure an adequate supply to cope with rising demand in northern China.

Australian leader should not pander to anti-China bias

It is not inappropriate for Australia to ban foreign political donations. But it is inappropriate for Canberra to cite Beijing as the reason. When Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull explained his country's intention to crack down on external interference in domestic politics on Tuesday, he wrongly made China the scapegoat, by citing "disturbing reports about Chinese influence".

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Alarm bells ringing as US continues to up the stakes

A week after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea tested its most sophisticated and powerful intercontinental ballistic missile to date, the United States and the Republic of Korea began joint air force exercises on the Korean Peninsula on Monday.

Heating policy inconsiderate

Northern China has long been plagued by smoggy weather, especially in winter when heating is supplied, and they have a deep longing for cleaner air. That explains why residents in the region have warmly welcomed the top authorities' promotion of natural gas as a substitute for coal.

Right for companies to pay attention to social justice and poverty relief

ALIBABA, China's e-commerce giant, said it will invest 10 billion yuan ($1.51 billion) for poverty alleviation over the next five years. Rednet.cn commented on Monday:

Fraud may have resulted in manslaughter

MORE THAN 1,000 CANCER PATIENTS in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, reportedly invested in a local company promising an annualized return rate of 13 percent and funding for a recovery program. However, those behind the company fled after taking their money. Beijing News comments:

Outdated virtues still being used to subjugate women

"WHEN YOUR HUSBAND beats you, enjoy it. When he uses dirty words against you, tolerate it. You are a female and you should stay at the bottom of society." These are quotes from a so-called female virtue training agency in Liaoning province. Hebnews.cn comments:

Hot words

Virtual property inheritance

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US violates WTO rules, breaks pledge

On Dec 1, the United States formally informed the World Trade Organization that it opposes granting China market economy status. This breaches its promise that China would automatically be granted market economy status by 2016.

Insurance reform to boost public welfare

The State Council, China's Cabinet, recently decided to transfer 10 percent equity shares of State-owned enterprises and financial institutions to the National Council for Social Security Fund. A pilot program for such transfers will be launched in some central SOEs by the end of this year, and gradually extended to other SOEs.