We need a precautionary approach to AI

For policymakers in any country, the best way to make decisions is to base them on evidence, however imperfect the available data may be. But what should leaders do when facts are scarce or nonexistent? That is the quandary facing those who have to grapple with the fallout of "advanced predictive algorithms" - the binary building blocks of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

US airlines following the piper's tune

China recently asked foreign airlines politely to stop subverting China's territorial integrity by listing the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao as "separate countries". Immediately, the White House launched a disturbing smear campaign against China, calling its request "Orwellian nonsense". It said it would "stand up to China imposing Chinese political correctness on American companies".

For industrial success, China must design new engines

The policies adopted by China in April, from cooperation in the high-tech sector to further opening up the financial market and considering giving the green light to the gaming industry, can prove beneficial to foreign businesses.

Referring to Taiwan as a country is a mistake

It is natural for the Civil Aviation Administration of China to require foreign airlines not to list the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan as though they are independent countries.

Environmental costs of local economy boosts must be weighed in the balance

IN XITUO, a town in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality, there is a local wetlands nature reserve that used to cover more than 13 square kilometers. However, local authorities destroyed one-fourth of it building an industrial park. Beijing News comments:

Right way to do things

The two waste incineration power generation projects in Susong and Taihu counties, East China's Anhui province, recently suspended operations due to the "grave concerns" of local residents.

Efforts required to popularize family doctors

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FAMILY DOCTOR SYSTEM, which is part of the ongoing medical reform, is proceeding smoothly. So far, 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions have issued guidelines on the service, which is expected to cover 85 percent of the cities nationwide. Legal Daily comments:

Wrong to criticize US woman for wearing a qipao

AN 18-YEAR-OLD FEMALE US middle school student posted a photo of herself wearing a traditional Chinese qipao at her graduation party, which inspired hot discussions online. Thepaper.cn comments:

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Hainan rides reform wave to new era

In a speech on April 13 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Hainan becoming a new province, President Xi Jinping drew a blueprint for the development of the island for the next 30 years. Thanks to reform and opening-up, Hainan seems set to become a prosperous province with a livable ecology, and to develop an international pilot free trade zone (FTZ) by 2020 and a free port with Chinese characteristics by 2025.

Air pollution is more of a health issue

The World Health Organization has released its latest global report assessing ambient air pollution and the resulting disease burden. While some progress has been made around the world since the last WHO report, the fact is that millions of people die prematurely as a direct result of air pollution.

China and Japan must work together to build sustainable ties

Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to Japan this week, the first by a Chinese premier in nearly seven years. He will also hold trilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday.