Officials feel the pressure

Local governments across China tend to view "public queries" as a challenge to their credibility, rather than realizing that a timely response to public questioning will enhance their credibility rather than undermine it.

Xi's trip to Manila affirms ties back on right track

How Beijing and Manila have successfully overcome their maritime dispute and strengthened their cooperation has set a good example for the region by showing that differences do not need be obstacles to friendly relations.

Chinese companies overseas must be more marketing savvy

XIAOMI, China's smartphone brand, launched an online promotion"1 Flash Sale" in the United Kingdom on Nov 8, claiming that a total of 10 smartphones are available at 1 each in the UK market. Although the company later explained that the system randomly selected 10 people from the thousands who clicked the "buy" button almost simultaneously, people felt this was a scam because what they saw was always the "out of stock" sign. The 21st Century Business Herald comments:

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Asia-Pacific building a shared future

Addressing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sunday, President Xi Jinping sent a strong message that China remains committed to deepening reform and opening-up further, and hopes to work with other APEC members to promote inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region and explore new areas of digital economic development.

China and Canada eye more mutually beneficial trade deal

A clause in the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact, widely known as a "poison pill" aimed at China, will not stop Canada from continuing to negotiate a free trade agreement with China, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at an event at the National University of Singapore on Thursday. This suggests the US will find it extremely difficult to administer its "poison pill", because it has gone too far in using bullying tactics against other countries - in this case, China.

'Mompetition' reflects burden on mothers

Editor's note: Yu Minhong, the founder of English-language training giant New Oriental, sparked controversy by saying the moral degeneration of women has led to the current degeneration of the country. But by saying that mothers play a decisive role in bringing up children he also put his finger on why "mompetition" is so fierce in China. One China Daily writer offers her view and two education experts share their views with China Daily's Yao Yuxin. Excerpts follow:

EU self-harming by shutting door on Chinese investment

The new restrictions on investment expected to be introduced by the European Union belie its commitment to free trade and globalization, and will put a brake on the momentum of Chinese investment in the EU, which does not bode well for their strategic partnership - or indeed the economies of some EU members.

New chapter for relations

During President Xi Jinping's meeting with the leaders of Pacific island nations in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Friday, the two sides agreed to elevate their relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, featuring mutual respect, common development and all-around cooperation.

Cities' rankings are nothing for their govts to get excited about

THE GLOBALIZATION AND WORLD CITIES RESEARCH NETWORK, a think tank created by the geography department of the Loughborough University, has published a ranking of world cities, which ranks six Chinese cities as world first-class cities and dozens of cities as second-class cities. This has sparked a wave of infectious excitement among some of the local governments. Beijing News comments:

Rumors only widen rift over dogs

AFTER A DOG OWNER IN HANGZHOU attacked a woman who was trying to move his dog away from her frightened children, leaving her with a concussion and fractured finger, the city's urban management department announced that all dogs must be registered and kept on a leash in public, among other measures. Thepaper.cn comments:

Clarifying nonphysical molestation is a crime better protects minors

Editor's note: With the development of technology, the protection of children's rights and interests has become an increasingly complicated and pressing challenge. For instance, many criminal acts targeting at the children now involve the internet or social media, which is why the Supreme People's Procuratorate has clarified that indecent acts with children involving no physical contact are still crimes. Beijing Youth Daily comments on Monday: