Koike dip leaves Abe in pole position as Japan vote enters home straight

TOKYO - Candidates in Japan made a last-ditch plea to voters on Saturday on the last day of campaigning before an election expected to return Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to power with a comfortable majority.

Leaders struggle as Brexit talks impasse drags on

BRUSSELS - Despite lacking sufficient progress in the lengthy and loose Brexit negotiation, the European Council on Friday gave a green light to discussions for second phase talks.

'End of an era' as iconic Holden ceases Australian manufacturing

CANBERRA - The last Holden built in Australia has rolled off the production line, marking the end of the country's car manufacturing industry.

IN BRIEF (Page 10)

Aligned stars point the way forward for reforms

The International Monetary Fund's recent World Economic Outlook and China's strong economic performance suggest that now is the time to advance reforms.

Anti-corruption fight on road to success

In his report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Wednesday, General Secretary Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of the Party and all Chinese people striving to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. And to realize that goal, strict self-governance of the ruling party is mandatory.

Xi's report reflects grand vision

Editor's note: General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Wednesday. Several foreign experts share their views on the report with China Daily's Wu Zheyu. Excepts follow:

Effective anti-graft efforts ensure clean governance

Given the role it plays in running the country, how the Communist Party of China governs itself is of the utmost importance.

Economy defies doomsayers

China's economic growth looks set to accelerate this year, the first time in seven years, after it registered a 6.8 percent year-on-year GDP growth in the third quarter. Given that growth trend has been achieved against the backdrop of both domestic structural reforms and the still fragile global economic recovery, it showcases the exceptional resilience of the world's second-largest economy.

Greater transparency shows Party's confidence in abilities

SOME DELEGATES AT the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been invited to meet the media when they make their way to and from the meeting halls at the Great Hall of the People. This is the first time the Party Congress has had this arrangement. People.com.cn comments:

Paywall trial may face headwinds

CAIXIN MEDIA CO LTD, a Chinese financial media company, announced on Monday that it will introduce a paywall model to protect its digital content from copyright violations. Southern Metropolis Daily commented on Wednesday:

Colleges should better serve students with internships

A MEDIA survey of 2,021 college graduates found that about half of them had been forced to do mandatory internships. Thepaper.cn comments: