Warfare in the Modern Age

China Newsweek

July 28

One hundred years have passed since World War I (WWI) broke out following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914. By the end of this war in 1918, around 17 million people had lost their lives. Now costly wars are still taking place in nations like Syria, Iraq and Somalia.

All wars involve violence, bloodshed and death. However, the causes of individual wars vary: Territorial disputes, differing value systems and even arguments over ideology can lead to war.

To mark the 100-year anniversary of WWI, China Newsweek interviewed people at the center of the wars in Afghanistan, the Gaza Strip, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to depict a real-life presentation of wars and explore the reasons behind their frequent occurrences in the modern world. Lessons should be drawn from WWI, not only because this year marks its centenary but also because current world affairs mirror those in 1914 to some extent. The world is reentering a period of multi-polarization, political forces are restructuring, regional conflicts flare up frequently and the risk of terrorist attacks looms on the horizon.

As war is waged by men, peace therefore depends on every ordinary individual's work toward more diplomatic solutions in the future.

Local Debt Grows, Along With Concerns

Outlook Weekly

July 28

After conducting interviews in dozens of provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, Outlook Weekly reporters have found that repayment of government debt in some places is gradually coming to a standstill due to slowed economic growth and shifting growth patterns.

Money borrowed by local governments from financial institutions such as banks, trusts, as well as securities and insurance companies has played an important role in boosting economic growth and social progress, accelerating infrastructure construction and improving people's livelihoods.

According to the National Audit Office, the biggest percentage of money borrowed by local governments has been invested in urban construction. By the end of June 2013, of the 10.88 trillion yuan ($1.76 trillion) owed in local debt, 3.8 trillion yuan ($615 billion) had gone toward urban construction. Thanks to this investment, many cities have been able to upgrade their appearances and become multi-functioning urban centers, with more convenient transportation and cleaner environments.

However, as land and real estate markets cool down, the old development model, which focused on increasing debt for the sake of development and selling land to repay that debt, can no longer continue. When the repayment date draws near, those places that have relied solely on land sales for profit will soon find themselves without anything left to sell. Additionally, financial institutions such as banks have tightened loans to governments out of concerns over their ability to repay. This debt crisis puts pressure on economic development, governmental credibility and social stability.

Unintended Consequences of Cosmetic Surgeries

Beijing Youth Daily

August 5

According to the China Consumers' Association, the plastic surgery industry has received an increasing number of complaints from consumers in recent years. Statistics from 2012 show that every year, nearly 20,000 complaints regarding failed plastic surgeries are filed.

A recent China Central Television broadcast revealed the process behind producing fake or poor-quality materials to be used in these operations, showing where the materials are produced, how they are sold and how much profit is gained. Additionally, some cosmetic surgery hospitals don't even hold the basic necessary qualifications.

An increasing number of consumers hoping to improve their looks have boosted the cosmetic surgery market. However, many consumers don't inquire about a hospital's qualifications or sign contracts when receiving these surgeries. As a result, their safety and legal rights are not guaranteed. Such ignorance has only further given rise to lawlessness in the industry.

Supervision of the plastic surgery market needs to be strengthened. As a number of government departments, ranging from industry and commerce authorities to the drug administration, are involved in the supervision of the market, they should work closely together. Relaxed management in a single department might foster law-breaking activities.

In addition, as the 2002 regulations issued to govern the industry no longer cover the issues involved in plastic surgery at present, new laws and regulations need to be formulated. Finally, the industry itself needs to enhance self-discipline and improve practitioners' moral sensibilities.