Protectionism out of step with the times

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, signed by 11 countries on either side of the Pacific Ocean in Santiago, Chile, on March 8, is widely believed to be an antidote to US protectionism. At the least, it is a timely wake-up call to US President Donald Trump that his "America First" policy is not only becoming increasingly unpopular but also making the United States lose benefits rather than increasing them.

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Institutional reform for better governance

The Third Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee made the decision to deepen the reform of Party and State institutions, saying the reform will facilitate the modernization of the country's governance system and capability from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Historic move to streamline departments

Editor's note: The deepening of Party and State institutions' reform is a big move initiated at the Third Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee. Six scholars share their views with China Daily on the State Council's proposal to reshuffle the institutions. Excerpts follow:

Institutional reform plan will improve governance

The Institutional Reform Plan of the State Council, China's Cabinet, was submitted to the ongoing first plenary session of the National People's Congress for deliberation on Tuesday, initiating the process for the restructuring of government so that it better meets the nation's needs for progress and development.

New aid agency displays resolve for shared growth

With China's foreign aid continuing to increase along with its growing global reach, the announcement on Tuesday that an international development cooperation agency is to be set up as part of the restructuring of government departments is noteworthy but not undue.

Law should stipulate what nontax revenues governments can collect

DURING THE ANNUAL SESSION of China's top legislature in Beijing on Monday, the legislators suggested that all government nontax revenue be stipulated by law, just like tax revenue. Xiaoxiang Morning News commented on Tuesday:

Curb crazy extra hours for office workers

AT THE ONGOING SESSION of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, China's top political advisory body, some representatives have called for better protection of labor rights for white-collar workers. Thepaper.cn comments:

Tagged water helps promote sustainability

AT THE ONGOING two sessions in Beijing, the bottles of water have green tags on which the drinkers can use their fingers to write their names. Beijing News comments:

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New type of urbanization

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Trump-Kim meeting faces hurdles

After exchanging harsh rhetoric and military threats with US President Donald Trump last year, Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un has abandoned his high pitch, moderated his tone, and launched several charm offensives this year, including his New Year's address, the DPRK's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, and proposed meetings between Kim and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in in April and Trump in May.