Trajectory of the New Premier

Oriental Outlook
March 21

Oriental Outlook reviewed the growing path of China's newly appointed premier Li Keqiang.

Before being admitted to study law at Peking University (PKU) in 1978, Li had been among millions of zhiqing—young people trekking from cities to the countryside to work alongside farmers in the fields during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

Although he majored in law in university, he had a strong interest in economics and paid close attention to economic developments during China's reform and opening-up in the late 1970s. He later studied economics at PKU and acquired a doctor's degree in economics there in 1994.

Li adores English. He translated The Due Process of Law by famed English jurist Lord Denning into Chinese. He is also one of few state-level officials in China who delivers speeches or communicates in the language.

Li said that 10 years' study at PKU has taught him to pursue truth. "I was searching for not just knowledge, but was also learning how to mould a temperament, to cultivate a scholarly outlook."

Seen as pragmatic, Li has persisted in combining theoretical research with reality and trying to keep the balance between the two.

"The Chinese nation has suffered numerous hardships in the past century. Now, as we are only several steps away from reviving the nation, we should shoulder great responsibilities and stride forward," he said.

At a meeting that Li presided over one week after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, he clearly sent out a signal of deepening reform. He said reform is the biggest dividend, which is regarded as the new leadership's guideline in pushing forward change.

SARS Changed China

Lifeweek
March 11

Ten years ago, when SARS broke out across China, the Central Government mobilized various resources to counteract the disease. The epidemic highlighted the importance of public health and lead to increased investment within the sector and a new disease control system. It also focused attention on the ability to combat crisis as one of a country's core capabilities.

Human history is wrought with the constant struggle against disease. Today, public health problems, such as poisoned capsules, water pollution and smog, pose fresh challenges.

On the heels of progress, Lifeweek sent journalists to interview people in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong and conducted individual case investigations at several medical institutions in Beijing, hoping to record the public health event of a decade ago and find out its impact on people today.

Blood Supply Shortage

Guangzhou Daily
March 18

Sun Jun, Director of Jiangsu Province Blood Center, said the provincial blood supply shortage cannot be eased in the short term.

The blood supply shortage has become a problem across the country, caused by the public's unwillingness to donate blood. Adequate information has not been publicized about the safety of donating blood, creating reluctance and even fear. On the other hand, the voluntary donation system itself has shortcomings and lacks an incentive mechanism.

According to law, donors and their direct relatives can obtain free blood when needed. However, the procedure remains complicated.

The lack of material compensation for donors is another concern while, at present, no law or regulation stipulates that accidental injury caused by donating blood will be compensated.

In a word, to address the blood supply shortage, the country should establish and improve incentives to donate and give donors due compensation.

A Market-Oriented Railway

Beijing Times
March 19

After the restructuring plan of the Ministry of Railways (MOR) was settled, rumors ran that train ticket prices would rise. However, the Lanzhou Railway Bureau said it would sell tickets of some often empty sleeping berths at discounted prices from March 15 to the end of the year.

On hearing the news, netizens remarked that the discount could be a direct benefit from MOR restructuring. However, such practice had been followed since 2009 already. Nevertheless, with the establishment of China Railway Corp., ticket discounts will become commonplace in the future.

Since the railway will become market-oriented, the public should prepare for fluctuating ticket prices.

The corporation should also make enough preparations. In a market environment, the price should not only be determined by supply and demand, but also by service quality. It should first of all guarantee demand for tickets by transforming the current ticket selling method.

If the corporation continues to view itself as a monopoly company and fails to improve service quality, the goal of restructuring the sector will be frustrated and public expectations for other reforms dimmed.