The Revival of Nuclear Power

China Report

September

Since a March 2011 tsunami wreaked havoc on Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, approval of the construction of nuclear power plants in China had been suspended. Petitions to restart nuclear power plant construction have been put forth since last year, when 11 members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, called on the government to support China's nuclear power programs to go global.

China's national energy development action plan (2014-20) allows the construction of new nuclear power plants in eastern coastal areas on the precondition of employing the highest safety standards in the world. While many other countries like France and Germany are trying to denuclearize their power production, China must encourage the development of nuclear power production because of its unbalanced energy structure and heightened need for energy security.

China, Time to Speak Up!

World Affairs

September 16

Improving China's power of discourse in the international community has become vital to strengthening the country's overall competitiveness. However, striving for this poweris a difficult process and poses challenges. Currently, China's opinions often get lost in the international system, with internationalcommunications dominated by Western countries, as they have distinctly differentcultures and ideologies.

China remains a developing country. The living standards of Chinese people haven't yet reached the levels of Western countries. However, China is a large country, in both size and population. Its everymove draws wide international attention. Therefore, it must speak for itself more effectively. To this end, China must implementthree vital changes.

First, it needs to strengthen internal ties. Only by highlighting the country's cohesion can China gain more confidence when addressingworld issues.

Second, the nation must continue topursue peaceful development. As China is increasingly involved in globalization, the country will face more conflicts with other nations in the future. Currently, Western media outlets often portray China as aggressive. In face of suspicion from the international community, China should continue to followits peaceful foreign policy by pushing forward cooperation, subduing bilateral conflicts and avoiding the escalation of tensions. Furthermore, it should increase its contributions to world development by providing more humanitarian assistance duringemergencies or disasters.

Finally, a greater focus must beplaced on truthfully telling China's stories. Chinese media outlets targeting internationalaudiences should try to present Chinese values in a way thatis relatable to the rest of the world.

Raising Entry Fees Under Scrutiny

Nanfang Daily

September 19

Recently, many famous Chinese scenic spots have increased their entrance fee prices. Notable examples are the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, which increased its ticket price from 105 yuan ($17) to 130 yuan ($21), and the Danxia Mountain, in south China's Guangdong Province, where the entry fee went from 160yuan ($26) to 200 yuan ($32.50).

Scenic spots are scarce public resources when compared to China's large population. Should they be allowed to follow the rules of the free market when setting prices? For large theme parks developed and built by privately owned companies with the sole intent of making a profit, the companies can and should set prices according to the supply and demand of the market. But for most other attractions, which are either historical ruins or national parks meant to be enjoyed by all, a desire for high profits should not decide ticket prices. Those should be determined according to the cost of investment and management and following thegovernment's guidelines.

As an increasing number of people choose travel as a way to relax, China's related industries are embracing myriad new developmentopportunities. However, the imprudent act of price-setting only shows that this market is still at its preliminary stages of development.