Another Channel for Chinese Public Diplomacy

NF People
April 1

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Russia and three African countries, his wife Peng Liyuan accompanied him all the way, including visiting an orphan school and making a public speech in the process.

From simply showing up out of courtesy and taking part in some international social activities to now shouldering diplomatic tasks, China's first lady is playing an increasingly important role.

During the recent four-nation visit, Peng has received increasing attention for not only her attire but also her good-will activities, seen as a soft-toned diplomatic gesture. With her reputation as a celebrated artist and her active participation in public service programs, the Chinese public expects Peng to usher in a new era of public diplomacy.

Born in 1962 in east China's Shandong Province, Peng was a successful folk song artist long before she became first lady. She joined the People's Liberation Army at the age of 18 as an artistic soldier before assuming her latest title equivalent to major general. In 1990, she received a master's degree in vocal music from the China Conservatory of Music, becoming the first in China to acquire such a degree. Peng has performed for soldiers and civilians alike, from cities to remote areas, garnering enormous popularity and admiration among the Chinese public.

Can Price Rise Cure Taxi Woe?

Jinan Daily
March 29

It is reported that the cost of taking a taxi in Beijing is likely to increase a lot over the coming months. The starting price within 3 km might rise from 10 to 15 yuan ($1.59 to 2.38) and that per km from 2 to 2.4 yuan ($0.32 to 0.38). On hearing the news, many say they would not be able to afford such high prices.

For a long time, it has been increasingly difficult for Beijingers to take taxis during rush hours. The possible price hike could ease the pressure of taxi services to some extent with some turning to other means of transport such as subways and buses. However, this in turn could lead to system overload and an increase in the amount of privately owned vehicles on the road, which would up the scale of traffic congestion and pollution.

In fact, taxi woes stem from monopoly of the market rather than prices. For example, taxi rent per shift is often as high as 5,000 yuan ($805) per month, which accounts for nearly half the salary of drivers. Furthermore, the government implements strict controls on taxi market access, causing supply to fall short of increasing demand. The number of taxis has been around 66,000 since the 1990s.

Due to monopolies, difficulty in taking taxis exists in many cities across China. On the one hand, it is hard for passengers to take a taxi; on the other, it is difficult for taxi drivers to earn money. Without doubt, no matter how much prices rise, it cannot address the problem if the government doesn't take market reform seriously.

Downtrend Not Bad

Xinmin Evening News
March 29

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, domestic consumption growth in January and February has met a sudden decline.

The rise in total retail sales of consumer goods dropped while the revenues of high-end restaurants decreased 3.3 percent year on year. Furthermore, many high-end alcohol and tea brands have cut prices.

The reason seems obvious. The Central Government issued eight mandates at the end of last year banning banquets and entertainment at public expense and encouraged economical governance. As a result, the booming high-end food and beverage market, backed mostly by public funds, experienced a slump.

Some experts have revealed concerns regarding reduced prices that influence consumption, though their fears are unfounded. Previous booms in high-end products have always been unreliable. Further more, prosperity based on consumption has created a huge loss in national wealth. Domestic demand will never be stimulated by corruption and the waste of public funds. Therefore, in this light, sluggish demand is positive.

Who Should Pay for Failed Attraction?

Rednet.cn
April 2

The Epang Palace Park, a replica of a royal building from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) on the outskirts of Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, is about to end its 13-year life due to illegal procedures. The project cost over 200 million yuan ($32.26 million) during its five-year construction. It is reported that a new, larger-scale relic park will be built on the current site.

The question is how the once prosperous zone fell into disrepute. Its short life can be associated with the historic Epang Palace, built during the rule of China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 B.C.). The palace eventually succumbed to fire during a war waged against Qin's tyranny.

In 1995, local authorities decided to build a scenic park over the Epang Palace relics without preservation and protection approval from the Central Government. With large debts to be paid, who will bear the brunt?

Overall, the problem occurred largely due to near-sighted development planning regarding land and tourism resources.