Tillerson's trip shows how US misreads Africa

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has described his five-nation African visit, which started on Wednesday, as a "listening tour". The purpose of the visit, he said, "is to listen to what the priorities of the countries here on the continent are and see where there is good alignment".

Administrative monopolies must be ended to unleash market forces

DURING THEIR ANNUAL SESSION in Beijing last week, China's top political advisors reminded the government that reform and opening-up have achieved success over the past 40 years, and urged it to play up the decisive role of the market in economic reform. Southern Metropolis Daily comments:

Too much importance on overseas study

ACADEMIC TALENTS should be evaluated by their capacity rather than whether they have an overseas diploma. Thepaper.cn comments:

Lower ticket prices for scenic sites will boost tourism

IN HIS Government Work Report, delivered to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, in Beijing on March 5, Premier Li Keqiang vowed to lower ticket prices at key State tourist sites. Cjn.cn comments:

Cartoon

Party leadership vital to development

The defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China. And adhering to Marxism and the leadership of the Communist Party of China should be the basis of a strong leadership, and give full play to that leadership in order to promote social transformation and the comprehensive development of the people.

Quality growth amid deleveraging, reform

In the Government Work Report he delivered to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on the opening day of its annual session on March 5, Premier Li Keqiang has laid out policy priorities for 2018 and the longer-term reform agenda.

High tariffs will not solve US, EU structural problems

On March 6, the European Commission decided to extend the existing anti-dumping tariffs, from 48.3 percent to 71.9 percent, on Chinese seamless pipes and stainless steel tubes for another five years. A day later, the EC raised its pitch higher, saying it stands ready to retaliate "proportionately and fully in line with the World Trade Organization rules" against US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports, except those from Canada and Mexico.

Support for amendments belies naysayers' prejudice

The draft amendments to the Constitution that had been proposed were formally adopted by an almost unanimous vote at the ongoing plenary session of the 13th National People's Congress on Sunday.

China is not afraid of a trade war with the US

China does not want a trade war, nor will it take the lead to initiate one, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said on Sunday. While that might seem soft-toned, it should not be mistaken for weakness, for as he asserted, China is capable of coping with any challenges.

Urban interaction will aid rural progress

In the Government Work Report he delivered to China's top legislature on Monday, Premier Li Keqiang mentioned "village" at least 24 times and agriculture nine times, urging governments at all levels to make unswerving efforts to revitalize the countryside.

Japanese firms' scandals offer a vital lesson

The shockwaves from the malfeasance in some of Japan's big companies continue to be felt as new revelations emerge. On Tuesday, Kobe Steel CEO Hiroya Kawasaki said he would step down, taking responsibility for the quality control lapses that resulted in substandard materials being supplied to about 605 clients, including 222 overseas companies.