China Lowers Growth Target

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www.globaltimes.com.cn VOLUME 8 • NO. 2233 • MONDAY MARCH 6, 2017 PRICE 2 YUAN Nation to spend more on rural healthcare

By Yang Sheng China spent 1.32 trillion yuan ($191 billion) in 2016 on medical services, four times the expenditure before reforms to the medical system were introduced in 2008. But experts and lawmakers from undeveloped rural areas have noted the shortage of medical talent still hampers the promotion of the reform. China will increase annual government subsidies for health insurance for rural and urban residents from 380 yuan per person to 450 yuan, Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday  2 Chinese President Xi Jinping (central) and other State leaders Li Keqiang (third from right), Yu Zhengsheng (second from left), when delivering China Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli attend the opening session of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua Global contribution China’s GDP growth (%) 7.7 2013 7.4  2014 Nation contributed 30.5% to global growth from 2011-15 6.9 6.7 2015 2016 6.5 2017 China lowers growth target

Yearly contribution to world GDP growth in 2011-15 By Chen Qingqing and Chen Heying Li Keqiang said China T 6.7 percent. The previ- 30.5 % is enjoying many good WOSESSIONS ous low was a 6 percent China has lowered its GDP growth target conditions for sustained 2017 target in 1992, accord- slightly to around 6.5 percent for 2017, com- economic development, ing to the Xinhua News pared with a range of 6.5-7 percent last year, as part of a report at the opening meeting Agency. a government work report said Sunday. of the annual session of China’s top legisla- Although the nation’s GDP  2 Against the backdrop of sluggish world ture, the National People’s Congress. growth target was set around China See also economic growth, backsliding on globaliza- This closely-watched target is a 25-year 6.5 percent in 2017, it will con- Source: The National Bureau of Statistics tion and growing protectionism, Premier low, down from last year’s real growth of tinue to be the fundamental Pages 14, B1 Graphics: GT

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地址：北京市朝阳区金台西路2号环球时报社英文版 ● 邮政编码：100026 ● 国内统一刊号：CN11-0272 ● 国际标准刊号：ISSN 2095-2678 ● 邮发代号：1-181 2 Monday March 6, 2017 TOPNEWS China to launch major Musical salute disease insurance plan

Nation, from Page 1 the government work report at the National Peo- ple’s Congress. According to data from the Ministry of Fi- nance, the standard of basic health insurance has increased sharply in the past few years. In 2010, the subsidy was only 120 yuan, the People’s Daily reported on Sunday. As China has built a nationwide healthcare network covering more than 1.3 billion people, total expenditures for this network reached about 6 trillion yuan since 2011, with an average annual growth of 17 percent. In 2016 alone, input to medical services was 1.32 trillion yuan, 4.1 times higher than the input eight years ago. Stressing governmental input, Li vowed to implement the major disease insurance scheme for all citizens this year. “The increased standard of 450 yuan is a bottom line for the central government to pay for health insurance for rural and undeveloped areas, while in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the A member of a Chinese military band rehearses before the opening session of the annual National People’s standard is much higher,” Zhou Zijun, a public Congress at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, on Sunday. China’s top leadership as well as thousands of health expert at Peking University, told the Global representatives from around the country are gathered at the Chinese capital for the annual legislature meetings, or Times on Sunday. two sessions. Photo: AP “Apart from the central government, local governments will also contribute to the health insurance, so the real subsidies that people can get from health insurance are more than 450 yuan on average,” Zhou said. China closing gap with US, Many urban residents in China with perma- nent jobs get health insurance through their companies paid for by contributions from their lags behind in per capita GDP salary and from their employer. However, experts pointed out that hefty financial input is far from enough. The premier said in the government report China, from Page 1 India is expected to achieve a 7.2 gap with the US, but not in terms of that “We will launch nationwide trials to establish percent growth in 2017, down 0.6 per capita GDP, and the latter reflects partnerships of different forms between medical driver of global growth, according to percentage points from 2016, ac- the quality of its economic growth,” institutions operating at different levels.” an expert. “If China sees unstable cording to the International Mon- he said. “We will extend trials to use a tiered diagno- growth, the world economic outlook etary Fund (IMF). “Despite its faster In 2016, China’s annual per capita sis and treatment model and a contracted family will be dim,” Mei Xinyu, an associ- growth, India’s GDP only accounts GDP was 53,980 yuan ($7,820), up doctor service system to cover over 85 percent of ate research fellow at the Ministry of for 20 percent of China’s GDP, and 6.1 percent compared to the previous prefectural-level cities in China,” he added. Commerce, told the Global Times on the gap will remain,” Mei noted. year, according to the NBS. The US Sunday. The IMF estimated in its October was ranked the eighth-largest nation Shortage of top doctors China has contributed a yearly av- 2016 edition of the world economic in terms of GDP per capita in 2016 “I hope the government can also spend more erage of 30.5 percent to global GDP outlook report that India’s GDP for at $57,239.79, according to data site on the cultivation of medical workers, which is growth during the 12th Five-Year Plan 2016 would be 122.15 trillion Indian statista.com. Its figure was nearly 8 also my proposal this year,” Wu Yongchun, a period (2011-15), which was the high- rupees ($1.9 trillion), Indian news site times bigger than that of China. deputy to the National People’s Congress, told the est in the world, Mei noted. thehindu.com reported in December More efforts should be done to Global Times on Sunday. China’s 6.7 percent economic 2016. In comparison, China’s GDP increase per capita GDP in the com- The lawmaker, from South China’s Guangxi growth in 2016 outpaced most other was 74.4 trillion yuan ($10.8 trillion) ing years by pushing forward the Zhuang Autonomous Region, said the shortage economies and accounted for more in 2016, according to the country’s economic restructuring and reforms, of talented medical staff is a long-standing prob- than 30 percent of global growth, ac- National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Zhuang noted. lem, especially in undeveloped rural areas like his cording to the government work re- “Still, we should attach impor- “Also, more work in upgrading hometown. “Talented people with medical skills port. tance to the rapid growth of India, it technologies and in improving the are reluctant to work in undeveloped areas for a Echoing Mei, Zhuang Jian, an could mean both business opportuni- quality of the labor force will help long time, so I hope the government can invest Asian Development Bank macro- ties and rising competition for Chi- raise the quality of China’s economic more on training local people to fill the gap.” economist, told the Global Times on nese companies,” Mei noted. growth,” he said. But Zhou stressed that human resources will Sunday that if the nation keeps its There is also a huge gap between surely flow to developed areas because of more momentum above 6 percent, its con- China and the US in terms of per cap- Page Editor: opportunities and incomes, so administrative tribution to global growth will sur- ita GDP, Zhuang added. “In overall [email protected] means cannot fundamentally solve this problem. pass that made by the US. GDP numbers, China is closing the

Diplomats hail China’s continuing support for globalization, multilateral trade system

By Bai Tiantian system and will hasten the process with the so far. “I have attended the two sessions he finds this year’s government report very signing of free trade agreements with Aus- many times. This is the most successful interesting. Foreign diplomats who attended Sunday tralia and South Korea. He also said China one. China is now the leading advocate of “The growth of globalization and trade morning’s opening ceremony of this year’s is a responsible country and will continue to globalization. Its advocacy of global peace liberalization are the most important parts, National People’s Congress meeting ap- promote economic globalization. will benefit everyone.” in my opinion. China’s development, the preciated China for continuously supporting Seyoum Mesfin, Ethiopian ambassador Mesfin also said he has confidence in economic development and social develop- globalization as stated in China’s govern- to China who attended Sunday morning’s China’s economy, though its growth is slow- ment and growth, are going to be important ment work report. opening ceremony of the fifth plenary ses- ing down. “I think the economy is robust.” for all of us.” Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on sion of the National People’s Congress, told Greek ambassador Leonidas Rokanas, Tunisian ambassador Dhia Khaled said Sunday at the Great Hall of the People that the Global Times that he felt the govern- who attended the two sessions for the first he finds the number of enterprises created China will safeguard the multilateral trade ment report is the most successful one time, told the Global Times on Sunday that in 2016 very impressive. Monday March 6, 2017 3 TOPNEWS Net regulation to Taking a break Military safeguard security deputies leave the Great Hall of the People at the end of By Deng Xiaoci and Wu Zhiwei the opening Cyber experts said China is unlikely to ease its In- of the Fifth Session of the ternet regulation over national security concerns, 12th National after a political adviser suggested that access to People’s overseas websites be hastened, on the sidelines Congress in of China’s two sessions. Beijing on Tougher regulation to safeguard national se- Sunday. Photo: curity and cyber security is the global trend, and AFP it takes more than China alone to balance the speedy access and security, said experts. Luo Fuhe, vice chairman of the National Com- mittee of the Chinese People’s Political Consulta- tive Conference, told media on Wednesday that one of his six proposals was to call for easing China’s Internet regulation for faster access to overseas academic websites, China Youth Daily reported. In his proposal, Luo warned that access to overseas websites has further slowed, which he believes would tremendously affect scientific re-  search as well as the country’s economic and so- President urges new way of social management cial development. Luo said the “limited allocation of international bandwidth,” “limited Net service suppliers” and “China’s tough Internet regulation” have Xi calls for FTZ reforms, slowed access. Luo recommended the government draft a list of websites that are off-limits and to grant full access to “non-political” websites frequented by re- innovation in Shanghai searchers. He also suggested that “sensitive information” on some “neutral websites” be screened, such as search engines, to improve the utility of overseas Internet resources. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed in China’s reform and opening-up, However, to safeguard national security, slow the need for careful urban manage- TWOSESSIONS to do more in deepening free trade access to some overseas websites is unlikely to ment in Shanghai during his meet- 2017 zone (FTZ) reforms, promoting sci- change, Xiang Ligang, a communication technol- ing with the Shanghai delegation entific and technological innovation, ogy expert and visiting professor at the Beijing of the National People’s Congress improving social management, and University of Posts and Telecommunications, (NPC) Sunday, urging them to devel- kilometers, the island was approved governing the Party in an all-around told the Global Times. op a new way of social management as a national development zone for and strict manner. Meanwhile,“the reality is that the global regu- that fits the city’s characteristics. sustainable development in 2010. Shanghai became home to China’s lation and management of cyberspace is not eas- Xi told them during the NPC’s Xi has placed green development first pilot FTZ in 2013, the testbed of ing but getting tougher. For example, the US is yearly assembly that the way of man- high on the agenda, and he previous- new economic policies, including the actively filtering ISIS-related information that aging a city should be as careful as ly called for “protecting the environ- negative list for foreign capital man- poses a threat to its homeland security,” he added. “doing embroidery,” the Xinhua ment like we are protecting our own agement. Xiang also pointed out that it is difficult to -de News Agency reported. eyes, and treating the environment Xi urged Shanghai to turn the FTZ termine whether a website is “neutral,” and the He added that urban management the way we treat our lives.” into a zone of openness and innova- current technology can only effectively filter text should be constantly improved and Xi also said that China will contin- tion to serve the Belt and Road initia- information, but not for audio-visual content. deepened so as to boost social devel- ue to open up in all aspects, particu- tive and help the country’s businesses “China can only contribute and decide on one opment, said Xinhua. larly in liberalizing and facilitating expand overseas. half, while the other half is decided by other coun- Xi also listened to a report on trade and investment. The president stressed that inno- tries,” Shen Yi, deputy director of the cyberspace protecting Chongming Island from “China’s opening door will not vation is key to the “new normal” in management center at Fudan University, told the Zhang Zhaoan, deputy head of the close again,” he said at the discussion economic development and crucial Global Times on Sunday. Shanghai Academy of Social Scienc- with the delegation, of which he is a to the supply-side structural reform, The Internet can hardly be pure with PRISM, es. Zhang said he visited the island member. calling for greater advances in basic a classified US intelligence project, hovering over three times before he attended the “Shanghai officials should free science and major breakthroughs in it, said Shen. He added that one should never meeting to relay the local residents’ their minds, seek new horizons, and key technologies. overlook the fact that visits by Chinese users were suggestions and opinions. be an example to the nation,” said Xi. also often blocked by foreign countries. Covering an area of 1,267 square Xi also urged Shanghai, a pioneer Global Times – Xinhua China to build another Hainan base, protect ecology around islands

By Bai Tiantian cal system and environment in after the Hainan delegates met planting 1 million more trees water port 40 kilometers from the South China Sea. on Saturday in Beijing. this year. Hainan’s capital Haikou, China South China’s Sansha, which “The central government Xiao said environmental The city is also planning to Ocean News reported. The har- administers several island has approved an outline to pro- preservation in Sansha is part integrate military and civilian bor, once completed, would be groups in the South China Sea, tect the environment in San- of China’s long-term national facilities. Xiao noted that many able to greatly boost Sansha’s including some disputed islets, sha, Xisha, Nansha and Zhong- interests in the region and how resources, including civilian transportation capabilities and is pushing to preserve the ecol- sha islands. The plan stresses China protects its rights. buildings on the island, can be provide maintenance services ogy and is building another ecological preservation, and is Sansha has pushed for the used by the military. to ships traveling to and from base in Hainan to provide lo- the focus of six projects, includ- use of solar power and electric Meanwhile, Sansha is build- Sansha. gistics support, the city’s mayor ing the restoration of islands motorbikes on the islands, and ing a base on Mulan Bay harbor The Qinglan port in Sanya, said. and reefs, coastline restora- uses rooftops to collect rainwa- in Wenchang, Hainan Province Hainan currently provides lo- The Philippines, in its arbi- tion, providing surveillance for ter, Xiao added. to provide logistical support, gistic services to Sansha. tral case against China over the the marine environment and The city planted 2 million maritime emergency rescue disputed waters which ended foresting the islands,” Xiao trees on the islands in 2016, facilities and resource develop- Page Editor: [email protected] last year, accused China of Jie, mayor and Party chief of and Xiao told the Global Times ment in the region. harming the maritime ecologi- Sansha, Hainan Province, said that the city is considering Mulan Bay harbor is a deep- 4 Monday March 6, 2017 NATION  Energy revolution, reformed economic structures needed for 2030 goal Air quality improved in more cities: MEP

By Zhao Yusha air quality in a year rose to 78.8 percent, this means at least another 50 cities’ air of days in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei up 2.1 percentage points from a year quality should reach the national stan- region were clear in 2016, but 9.2 per- As most Chinese cities witnessed more ago. Nationwide average PM2.5 density dard. cent of the days were “heavily polluted,” days with clean air after a nationwide air dropped 6 percent to 47 micrograms per “However, even if the goal is accom- much higher than the national average pollution control plan was introduced cubic meter, and average PM10 density plished, in 60 percent of Chinese cities, of 2.6 percent. in 2013, environmental experts noted fell 5.7 percent to 82 micrograms. average annual air quality readings will He said that there are now scientific air quality has seen improvement and Haikou, Zhoushan and Huizhou, still fail to reach the national standard.” ways to measure how many and what whether all China’s cities can reach the all coastal cities, ranked the top three He added that although some re- kinds of pollutants need to be cut. For national standard for air quality by the in terms of air quality in 2016, while search institutions say that air quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to stated goal of 2030 will depend on the Hengshui, Shijiazhuang and Baoding, all Chinese cities will reach the standard reach standard air quality, the density of progress of social, economic and techno- all in North China’s Hebei Province, by 2030, it actually depends on the prog- nitrogen dioxide should be reduced by logical development. ranked the bottom. ress of China’s social and technological 20 percent, and PM2.5 and PM10 con- Seventy-three cities out of 338 moni- According to the 13th Five-Year Plan development. centrations need to be cut by 60 percent tored by the Ministry of Environmental (2016-20), China will take measures to Half of emissions of air pollutants and 50 percent respectively. Protection (MEP) reached national air tackle urban smog and deliver “good” air must be cut if all Chinese cities are to Nothing short of an energy revolu- quality standards in 2015. The Chinese quality readings in cities at prefecture- reach the standard by 2030, He said, tion, a reformed economic structure and national standard for PM2.5 is 35 micro- level and above for 80 percent of the adding that in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei improved pollution control technologies grams per cubic meter. year. region, emissions from more than 70 will be needed if the Chinese public is to In the cities monitored, the propor- He Kebin, dean of the School of En- different pollutants must be reduced. reach the goal of breathing clean air all tion of days with good or relatively good vironment at Tsinghua University said The MEP said that only 56.8 percent year round, He noted.

Heading to school China builds A teacher touches the largest offshore forehead of a young drilling rig student with a calligraphy brush in a China has broken the world traditional record again by building the Confucian ritual largest offshore ultra-deep wa- which indicates ter drilling platform, which is the child’s also able to drill to the deepest schooling has depths of the sea, China Cen- begun. The tral Television reported. ritual was held The semi-submersible drill- on Sunday in ing platform named Blue Whale Hangzhou, East 1 was manufactured by Yantai China’s Zhejiang Province, in an CIMC Raffles Offshore -Lim event to instruct ited (CIMC Raffles). It weighs children about 42,000 tons with a deck as the need to large as a standard soccer field. respect the old At a height of 118 meters, and take care equal to a 37-story building, the of the young, platform cost $700 million. also a tenet of The platform has a maxi- Confucianism. mum operating depth of 3,658 Photo: CFP meters and a maximum drilling depth of 15,240 meters respectively, the greatest operating and drilling depth in the Sex ed textbook for second graders sparks controversy world. It can operate in deep- sea operations across the world, CIMC Raffles says on its web- By Zhao Yusha shows a woman asking to see primary school. Apart from told about at different ages,” site. Its electric cable has a pull a boy’s genitals. The woman teaching children how to pro- Tong said. extension length of 1.2 million A textbook for second-grade claimed the picture was too tect themselves, the series also Using these kinds of text- meters. students in primary schools much for her to handle, let introduces sexual intercourse, book is tricky, Zhang Meimei, It is the first “turn-key proj- that includes diagrams of re- alone her child. the physical changes of puberty a professor of sexual education ect,” which is completed and productive organs and discus- Her post sparked heated and tells children that homo- at Capital Normal University, can be sold to any buyer, by a sions about sexual abuse has discussions online, with many sexuality is normal. told CNS, adding that schools Chinese shipbuilder in the ul- sparked controversy, with the agreeing that this textbook is Tong Xiaojun, a professor at should discuss such courses tra-deep water field. publisher explaining that it is “too much” for second graders, the China Youth University for with parents first and gain their Blue Whale 1 was named and simply serving the purpose for normally aged from 7 to 9. Political Sciences, said that chil- support, because parents are delivered to its project owner which it was written. Beijing Normal University dren are curious about where also responsible for teaching based in Yantai, a port city of A mother from Hangzhou, Publishing Group told the Chi- they come from, but if their their children. East China’s Shandong Prov- East China’s Zhejiang Prov- na News Service that given its questions are not answered An unnamed father of a sec- ince on February 13. ince, said on Sina Weibo that sensitive topic, the book was in a proper way they may seek ond-grade student told the Chi- The platform will be jointly she was shocked to find that examined especially carefully answers from pornographic na News Service that though operated by Blue Whale and her child’s textbook includes and the content is in accor- books or websites, which may this kind of course is good, he CNPC Offshore Engineering pictures of male and female re- dance with their intentions. mislead them. still felt embarrassed when his Co. Ltd for ocean energy explo- productive organs. The group issued a series Tong added that children son showed him the book. ration according to a previously She posted a picture of a of textbooks named Zhen’ai should be informed about sex signed service agreement be- chapter that teaches children Shengming, or “Cherish Life,” education as they get older. Page Editor: tween the two sides. how to protect themselves which are used with students “What matters is what kind [email protected] from sexual abuse. The picture from grades one to five in of information they should be Global Times 7 2 0 1

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Urban management officers collect shared bikes that blocked traffic on a street in Guangzhou on December 28, 2016. Photos: CFP

By Deng Xiaoci s the sharing bike phenomenon half a million in 2017. Ahas swept China, Beijing has over 300,000 changing the way millions such bikes, news portal Chi- of people across the coun- nanews.com reported Friday. try travel around cities, some have complained Getting a handle Parking the bikes are dominat- last week, To relieve congestion, ing free bike-parking areas with a viral the capital released plans and bringing stress to those video showing on Thursday which include whose job is to keep these some 4,000 shared bikes promises to develop specific areas tidy. being seized by the Huangpu management methods to According to a Beijing district vehicle management deal with shared bikes. pedals Evening News report on department and loaded onto The Beijing and Shanghai Wednesday, shared bikes that trucks. authorities told the Global had been parked in a free The Shanghai-based Times that these methods  bike parking lot of Dongfeng- Jiefang Daily reported on are still at the “research Cities crack down beiqiao subway station had February 28 that over 3,500 stage.” been “hurled” onto a nearby of the seized bikes were Chinanews.com revealed on shared bikes citing patch of grass. orange bikes from Mobike, that the Beijing traffic -au When asked by a user of a firm backed by Tencent thorities have asked Mobike parking management bike-sharing firm OFO about Holdings and owned by Didi- and OFO to better regulate whether he could leave his Chuxing. These bikes were parking. If they are judged to burden shared bike in the lot, the taken off the street despite have failed, the city will carry staff member responsible for being parked in designated out an “overall clean-up and Shanghai has given enough the limits of urban the area said that they had white boxes drawn on the rectification” by October this space to these areas and this management when it been told to remove the bikes sidewalk. year. has affected the convenience is tested, as it is meant and they would be fined if The head of the Huangpu “We are now trying to of these bikes. to serve the public and any such bikes are found in vehicle department said that communicate and collabo- “It is really hard to locate its capability should the lot by their supervisors. the bikes were removed due rate with the government, a ‘white box’ downtown, increase in accordance to limited space and accused offices and residential it usually takes me a few with development,” Luo Seizing spokes bike-sharing firms of unfairly compounds to establish minutes. I now would rather told the Global Times The same story played out taking up resources. designated parking areas for walk than bike,” Yu Hao, on Friday. in other stations along Bei- Mobike requested their our bikes,” a PR employee at a Shanghai cyclist told the “The livelihood of jing Subway Line 10, includ- bikes back but this was OFO told the Global Times Global Times on Thursday. residents comes first. ing at Dahongmen, Shiliu- rejected, said the report. Thursday. When asked if the Urban management zhuang and Shilihe stations. A later Jiefang Daily re- “We have had good experi- number of shared bikes should not compro- The workers at these stops port quoted a local grassroots ences with the designated has overwhelmed the city’s mise the development all told the Beijing Evening official as saying the boom area system as we achieved urban management capacity, of public services just News that they had been told in shared bikes is testing the good outcomes with it in Luo Yameng, a Beijing-based because they are tem- to make private bikes their city’s management capability Haizhu district in Guang- urbanization expert’s answer porarily overwhelmed,” priority, and would allow to its limit. zhou,” the employee added. was a firm “no.” Luo noted. shared bikes only if there According to the report, However, shared bike “The number of shared It is legitimate for was enough room. Shanghai has over 280,000 users have expressed their bikes will continue to grow governments to charge Shanghai saw even more shared bikes from 10 com- concerns about the “desig- as it is still too small to firms a fee to help with friction between public infra- panies on its streets, and this nated area” system, saying satisfy demand. It does not parking costs, Luo sug- structure and shared bikes number is expected to top that neither Beijing nor make sense to talk about gested.

Teen detained for snatching marketers’ phones after subway tirade

A 17-year-old surnamed Zhang has Zhang asking one woman to “go away” subway carriage. rude regardless of whether you are a been detained for snatching female while another woman calls the police. Early on Sunday, Zhang claimed via local or not.” marketers’ phones away from them Zhang then takes their phones from Weibo that he got angry because the If Zhang is found guilty, he may face after launching a profanity-filled tirade them and says he will only give them women continued to demand he scan up to 15 days detention and a fine of on the Beijing subway Saturday. back after they leave the train. the QR codes for their online store even 1,000 yuan ($167). Beijing police announced on Sunday Throughout the video, Zhang swears after he refused. via their Sina Weibo account that they at the women and abuses them for be- “They are like beggars who make use Global Times had tracked down Zhang after a video ing “outsiders” in Beijing. of people’s kindness,” Zhang aid. clip of the incident went viral. They said When the train stops at the station, Many commenters on the viral clip Page Editor: lengshumei@ that an investigation is now underway. Zhang throws their phones onto the accused Zhang of regional discrimina- globaltimes.com.cn The two-minute clip starts with platform and pushes them out of the tion, one saying that “you shouldn’t be 7 WORLD Monday March 6, 2017 Daring stunt Malaysia A member of the Tinstix expels NK of Dynamite aerobatics envoy over team flies above a Kim probe wall of fire during the Australian International Malaysia has expelled North Ko- Air Show in rea’s ambassador, giving him Melbourne 48 hours to leave the country on Sunday. in a major break in diplomatic The annual relations over the airport assas- event sination of the half-brother of attracts Pyongyang’s leader. thousands Kim Jong-nam was poi- over 3 days soned February 13 with deadly at the Avalon nerve agent VX. North Korea Airfield. has not acknowledged the dead Photo: AFP man’s identity but has repeat- edly disparaged the murder investigation, accusing Malaysia of conniving with its enemies. “The ambassador has been declared persona non grata” after Malaysia demanded but  did not receive an apology for ‘No Obama WH official’ ordered snooping on US citizens Pyongyang’s attacks on the investigation, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Haji Aman said. Trump urges probe of wiretaps “Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation,” he said in President Donald Trump is determine whether executive Obama Administration was questioned whether Obama a statement released late Satur- asking US Congress to probe branch investigative powers that no White House official was born on US soil and eligi- day. “potentially politically moti- were abused in 2016,” Spicer ever interfered with any inde- ble to be president. Ambassador Kang Chol vated investigations” during said. pendent investigation led by The two men initially adopt- failed to present himself at the the 2016 campaign, the White He added that there would the Department of Justice,” ed a cordial tone as Trump took ministry when summoned and House said Sunday. be no more comment on the spokesperson Kevin Lewis said office, though the president has “is expected to leave Malaysia The announcement came matter from Trump or the in a statement. stepped up accusations against within 48 hours,” the state- one day after Trump took to White House. “As part of that practice, nei- Obama in recent weeks, blam- ment added. Twitter to accuse his predeces- “I’d bet a good lawyer could ther President Obama nor any ing his predecessor for being On Sunday morning, media sor Barack Obama of tapping make a great case out of the White House official ever -or behind damaging leaks to jour- besieged Pyongyang’s embassy, his phones ahead of the No- fact that President Obama was dered surveillance on any US nalists. from where Kang is expected vember election, without pro- tapping my phones in October, citizen. Any suggestion other- Since US intelligence took to depart before the expulsion viding evidence of the explosive just prior to Election!” Trump wise is simply false.” the unprecedented step of pub- deadline expires 6 pm on Mon- charge. wrote on Twitter. Trump leveled the charges licly accusing Russia of trying day. In a statement, White House “How low has President in a flurry of tweets shortly af- to swing the November election Arch-rival South Korea Press Secretary Sean Spicer re- Obama gone to tapp [sic] my ter dawn, as his administration in Trump’s favor, questions has blamed the North for the ferred to unspecified reports of phones during the very sacred remains mired in controversy have swirled about whether murder, citing what they say “potentially politically motivat- election process. This is Nixon/ over communications between some in his campaign colluded was a standing order from ed investigations immediately Watergate. Bad [or sick] guy!” Russian officials and some of with Moscow. leader Kim Jong-un to kill his ahead of the 2016 election” as he wrote in another tweet, re- his senior aides including At- The president’s associates, exiled half-brother who may “very troubling.” ferring to the political scandal torney General Jeff Sessions. including Sessions and dis- have been seen as a potential “President Donald J. Trump that toppled president Richard Trump and Obama fre- graced former national secu- rival. is requesting that as part of Nixon in 1974. quently traded barbs on the rity advisor Michael Flynn, met The foreign ministry said their investigation into Rus- An Obama spokesman campaign trail, and the Repub- Russian Ambassador Sergey the expulsion is “part of the sian activity, the congressional called Trump’s accusations lican real estate magnate was Kislyak before taking office. process by the Malaysian gov- intelligence committees exer- “simply false.” a driving force behind the so- ernment to review its relations” cise their oversight authority to “A cardinal rule of the called “birther” movement that AFP with North Korea, which before Kim’s assassination were un- usually cozy. “North Korea must learn to Scandal-hit Fillon’s wife breaks silence over ‘fake jobs’ respect other countries,” Ma- laysia’s Deputy Prime Minis- ter Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said The wife of scandal-hit French conserva- in pay, Penelope Fillon told Le Journal du French lawmakers are allowed to em- Sunday. tive presidential candidate Francois Fillon Dimanche she had carried out “a lot of dif- ploy family members, but investigators are The expulsion shows “we broke her silence Sunday over the “fake ferent tasks” for her husband during his looking into what work Penelope did after are serious about solving this jobs” scandal that threatens to engulf his lengthy political career. it emerged she did not even have a pass for problem and we do not want it bid for power. She had also urged him to “keep going the National Assembly building. to be manipulated,” he added. The former prime minister hopes to to the end” but said only he could make the “He needed someone to do a lot of differ- The diplomatic spat erupted keep his election hopes alive with a rally decision to stay in the race. ent tasks, and if it wasn’t for me, he would last month when Malaysian po- in Paris but he is struggling to regain the Fillon, who turned 63 on Saturday, was have paid someone to do it, so we decided lice rejected North Korean dip- initiative after a week in which members of once the frontrunner in an election in it would be me,” Penelope told the paper. lomats’ demands to hand over his team deserted him. which Marine Le Pen is attempting to steer The former prime minister has claimed Kim’s body. Their departures followed Fillon’s disclo- the far-right into power in a major Euro- the accusations are politically motivated, sure that he would face charges over claims pean country. even suggesting he believes the ruling So- AFP he gave his wife and two of their children But Fillon’s support plummeted after the cialist government is behind the investiga- bogus parliamentary jobs. financial claims were made and he is now tion. Page Editor: wangbozun@ In her first interview since the allega- polling third behind Le Pen and 39-year-old globaltimes.com.cn tions of nearly 900,000 euros ($950,000) centrist Emmanuel Macron. AFP 8 Monday March 6, 2017 WORLD  More than 65,000 leave homes near former IS stronghold of Aleppo Thousands flee northern Syria fighting

More than 65,000 people have been months of fighting. town controlled by the US-backed Syrian pumping water into Aleppo. forced to flee fighting in northern Syria, OCHA said the nearly 40,000 people Democratic Forces (SDF). Residents of Syria’s second city have ravaged in recent weeks by dual offen- displaced from the town fled north to An AFP correspondent said that long been without mains water for 48 days sives on the Islamic State group, the areas controlled by other rebel forces, queues of families were still forming at after the jihadists cut the supply. Regime United Nations said Sunday. and that the “high contamination” of checkpoints leading to the town. forces retook full control of the city last The UN’s humanitarian agency unexploded bombs and booby traps set Pick-up trucks full of children and year. (OCHA) said that tens of thousands of by retreating jihadists was complicating women wearing full black veils were On Sunday, Russian and regime people have left their homes in northern efforts to return. being searched individually by SDF per- warplanes bombarded IS positions in Aleppo province, particularly around the And since February 25, OCHA said, sonnel before being allowed to enter. support of Syrian troops, which had former jihadist stronghold of Al-Bab. another 26,000 people fled violence The Syrian Observatory for Human advanced to around 14 kilometers from “This includes nearly 40,000 people further east, where Syrian government Rights monitoring group said Saturday Khafsah, the Observatory said. from Al-Bab city and nearby Taduf town, forces supported by Russian air power that 30,000 people had been displaced Since war broke out in Syria in March as well as 26,000 people from commu- have also been waging a fierce offensive by the government’s offensive on IS ji- 2011, more than half of its population nities to the east of Al-Bab,” OCHA said. against IS. hadists. has been forced to flee their homes. Turkey-backed rebels seized Al-Bab Many of those fleeing the violence The Russian-backed push is aimed from IS on February 23 after several sought refuge in areas around Manbij, a at IS-held Khafsah, the main station AFP

Clashing images Blair denies getting Trump adviser offer

Tony Blair has had no discussions about working for US President Donald Trump, his spokesman said Sunday after reports that the former Brit- ish prime minister sought to become his Middle East adviser. According to The Mail on Sunday newspaper, Blair met with Trump’s son-in-law and key aide Jared Kushner last week to discuss taking a role with Trump. The weekly tabloid said Blair had met Kushner three times since September. A spokesman for Blair initially said, “I’m not going to comment on private conversa- tions.” But a statement on his website later said, “The story in The Mail on Sunday is an invention. “Mr Blair has made no such A man walks past a mural on the Catholic Falls Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Saturday. Northern Ireland’s main political ‘pitch’ to be the president’s parties face a three-week deadline to mend fences, after snap elections aimed at sorting out differences between them left them Middle East envoy. Neither deadlocked. Photo: AFP has he had any discussions about taking such a role or any role working for the new president.” Extended term limits give Abe chance to lead Japan until 2021 It continued, “He has been working on the peace process for 10 years. He continues to Japan’s ruling party on Sun- This means Abe can stand in opposition. ing amendments to the consti- do so. He does so in a private day extended term limits for for re-election in the next party He then launched his “Abe- tution.” capacity. He will continue to do its leaders, a change that gives leadership vote sometime next nomics” growth plan – a mix The party has long sought it in that way.” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a year and if he wins and wins of massive monetary easing, to revise the post-war constitu- After leaving office in 2007, shot at becoming Japan’s lon- national polls – lower house government spending and red- tion that bans Japan from use Blair was the envoy of the Mid- gest-serving post-war leader. elections are due before De- tape slashing, but five years on of force except in the strictest dle East Quartet until 2015. Abe would have had to step cember next year – remain growth remains fragile and in- sense of self-defence. The group comprises the down as party leader and prime in power until September flation well below the target of “The LDP will lead concrete European Union, Russia, the minister in September next 2021. two percent. discussion towards proposing United Nations and the United year, even if his Liberal Demo- Abe, 62, served as prime “We will achieve the great amendments to the constitu- States. cratic Party (LDP) were still in minister for about a year before goal of 600 trillion yen [$5.3 tion. This is the LDP’s historic Blair was prime minister power. stepping down following a his- trillion] GDP ... keeping a vir- role, isn’t it?” Abe said. from 1997 to 2007, winning The LDP congress approved toric defeat in upper house elec- tual cycle of growth and redis- three general elections but his extending the limit to three tions in 2007. tribution of wealth,” he said in AFP role in leading Britain into the consecutive three-year terms, He became prime minis- a speech to the congress. war in Iraq has badly damaged up from the previous two ter again when the LDP re- The LDP also adopted a Page Editor: his legacy at home. wangbozun@ consecutive three-year term turned to power in December policy principle of “taking a globaltimes.com.cn limit. 2012 after a three-year period practical step towards propos- AFP Monday March 6, 2017 9 WORLD South Sudanese welcome US suspends fast-tracking of highly skilled H-1B visas

US authorities are temporarily suspending the speedy, premium processing of a visa which is often used by tech companies to recruit foreign skilled workers. Although the move comes as President Donald Trump pledges to prioritize jobs for Americans, US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the suspension was only meant to help the agency reduce overall processing time. The H-1B visa is issued to tens of thousands of highly skilled foreign nationals each year, but as of April 3, appli- cants will no longer be able to use a costly shortcut to rush the processing of their visas. On Friday, the USCIS announced that the “premium Members of a local community in South Sudan welcome UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency processing” of H-1B visas – Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien (center) as he jumps over a slaughtered cow as part of a traditional welcome for important which saw wait times reduced guests on Saturday, in Ganyiel in South Sudan. The country is experiencing a famine exacerbated by conflict.Photo: AFP from several months to 15 days for the price of $1,225 – would be temporarily suspended for  up to six months. Thousands turn out to support more power for president The visa has drawn particular attention since Trump’s election, with White House spokesperson Sean Spicer sug- Turkish women rally for Erdogan gesting that presidential and congressional action could be taken on H-1B visas as “part of a larger immigration reform ef- Thousands of pro-government widely seen as a referendum on up for the event organized by tial system and especially after fort.” women filled an Istanbul arena Erdogan himself because the the pro-government Women July 15, we must be more united According to the USCIS, the Sunday in support of a “Yes” proposed plan could see him and Democracy Association and together for this country,” visas go to scientists, engineers, vote in next month’s referen- stay in power until 2029. (KADEM), whose deputy chair she said. computer programmers or any- dum on boosting Turkish Pres- Opponents however say is Erdogan’s younger daughter Saliha Mantar said women one “in specialty occupations ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s the changes that would grant Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar. had been granted more rights that require the theoretical or powers. sweeping new powers to the “For the survival of our since Erdogan came to power practical application of a body Waving Turkish flags, wom- head of state would make par- country, it is a very important as prime minister in 2003 of highly specialized knowl- en shouted “Of course, Yes!” liament dysfunctional and pro- decision,” said AKP supporter and as president in 2014. “We, edge.” ahead of the April 16 vote on mote a one-man model. Ayse Gurcan, who came to the women, promise to be always The US offers 85,000 H-1B constitutional changes that Pro-government supporters rally from Erzurum province in behind our leader,” she said, visas every year, most of which would give Turkey an executive gathered at the 12,500 capacity eastern Turkey. referring to Erdogan. are snapped up by Indian out- presidency similar to political sports complex, known as Abdi Another woman, Zehra Critics argue if the plan is sourcers whose employees fill a systems in France or the US. Ipekci Arena, outside Istanbul’s Ferahtay, said the approval of approved, Turkey would lurch skill gap in US engineering. Erdogan’s ruling Justice and ancient city walls, with the cam- constitutional changes would toward authoritarianism, say- Applications are vastly over- Development Party (AKP) is paign theme: “Yes! If women unify Turkey especially after the ing it would not be a system subscribed and are allocated via running the “Yes” campaign, are there, democracy is there.” failed coup attempt in July to based on checks and balances. a lottery system. saying the changes would bring Erdogan himself, together oust Erdogan’s government. political stability. The vote is with his wife Emine, showed “Yes, I support the presiden- AFP AFP Canada: No plans to clamp down at border to deter illegal migrants

Canada will not tighten its border to de- crackdown, migrants and refugee agen- tions every day. It also handles C$2.5 bil- in the first week of February and we’ve ter migrants crossing illegally from the cies say. lion ($1.87 billion) in trade every day. been following this very very closely,” US in the wake of an immigration crack- It is not common to have so many “It is critically important for us to Goodale said. down because the numbers are not big asylum seekers in the US looking for make sure that it is strong and secure. Canadian and US officials are work- enough to cause alarm, a government refuge in Canada over such a short pe- At the same time, it needs to be efficient ing on a plan to tackle asylum seekers minister said on Saturday. riod. The influx poses a political risk for and expeditious.” crossing into Canada illegally, with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goo- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who fac- Emerson, on the North Dakota bor- US officials keen to discover how they dale said the issue had not risen to a es pressure from the left, which wants der, has been overwhelmed by the mi- entered the US in the first place. US scale that required hindering the flow more let in, and from the right, which gration and appealed for more govern- Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly of goods and people moving across the fears an increased security risk. ment help to handle the influx. is to visit Canada this month for talks. world’s longest undefended border. “We are concerned and we will deal Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Hundreds of people, mainly from properly with the extra hundreds [cross- Manitoba say 183 people have walked Reuters Africa and the Middle East, have defied ing illegally],” Goodale told reporters at a across that border in sub-zero tempera- winter conditions and walked across the televised news conference in Emerson, tures since January 1. Goodale said the Page Editor: border, seeking asylum. They are fleeing Manitoba. “But the full border deals with pace has picked up in recent weeks. [email protected] President Donald Trump’s immigration 400,000 people moving in both direc- “The current accelerated rate started 10 Monday March 6, 2017 WORLD Strengthening relations

 IPLOMATICCHANNEL is open for foreign investors. issues. As long as the US pursues China, Iran D to impose its illegal demands by GT: Is China still Iran’s No.1 trade pressuring Iran, there would be no continues to Comprehensive Plan of Action partner? In what areas do you ex- room for negotiation. Indeed, some (JCPOA), how has the implementa- pect China to invest in Iran and can specific mechanisms for organizing bond over joint tion process been since then? we see more improvement in trade negotiations between Iran and P5+1 Khaji: The JCPOA is the symbol of between the two countries? for implementation of the JCPOA, initiatives diplomacy for peaceful settlement Khaji: Over the past years, China have been incorporated in which, we of a most sophisticated dispute in has been No.1 trade partner of Iran. will comply to all the provisions of Editor’s Note: contemporary international relations. In 2016, the total volume of trade the agreement. With Iran about to step into the Iranian It has proven that Iran is looking for between the two countries reached New Year on March 21, the Global peaceful use of nuclear energy and $ 31.2 billion. China is ranked first GT: Maintaining regional stability in Times reporter Lu Wen’ao (GT) spoke recognized Iran as a member of NPT. among Iran’s oil consumers and the Middle East has become a thorny to Iranian Ambassador to China Ali Therefor it should enjoy its inherent Iran is the 6th oil suppliers to china. issue lately as there are wars in Syria Asghar Khaji (Khaji) in an exclusive rights of nuclear energy. According Chinese companies have had good and Iraq. What can we expect Iran to interview about developments in the to IAEA, Iran has fulfilled all its com- investment in high-speed rail, oil and do in helping maintain peace in the China-Iran partnership in 2016 and mitments under JCPOA; therefore, gas industry even in downstream region? what joint efforts the two sides can Iran is expected from other sides to industries in Iran. We have positive Khaji: Iran believes the security make in 2017. completely fulfill their commitments landscape for promotion of bilateral of the region is an interconnected and quickly remove obstacles for full cooperation in finance and invest- process, so that nobody can provide GT: The Sino-Iranian relationship implementation of agreements. ment in the future. security for itself at the expense of received a big boost after President Xi China, as an effective member insecurity in other countries. Jinping’s visit to Iran last year. What of P5+1, played a positive role over GT: It seems the new US president Today, terrorism has become an are your thoughts on the bilateral negotiations of JCPOA. Today, China is prejudiced against Iran’s military evil and very dangerous phenomenon relations between the two countries? has a good cooperation with Iran on drills. What’s your opinion on this? over the region. We believe nobody Khaji: President Xi’s visit to Iran the Arak Modernization Project as Will Iran seek talks with Donald can be secure from that, so restoring is considered as a turning point in part of JCPOA. We hope to see China Trump? stability and security in the region Sino-Iranian ties because the bilat- play a more constructive role in the Khaji: The new US president has and eradicating terrorism could be eral relations were promoted to the implementation of JCPOA in future. challenging stances not only on Iran done only through international Strategic Comprehensive Partner- but also on its alliances. The past cooperation. ship. As a result, 17 Cooperation GT: After the implementation of experience of Iran has shown that We are strongly opposed to imple- documents were signed in different JCPOA, many constrains on Iranian our nation will never retreat from its menting double standards of counter- fields and some of those have been economy have been removed. Can inherent rights and principal stances terrorism, and categorizing good implemented. Moreover, last year we we say now Iran is riding high after under pressures or bullying stance of and bad terrorists. Disputes between have witnessed bilateral exchanges of removing Western sanctions? any country. Iran always defends its countries should be solved through high-level delegations at ministerial Khaji: After lifting of sanctions, Iran inherent rights. It should be noted political negotiations and by means and senior official levels. is going to restore everything back that Iran’s defensive and limited of peaceful settlement. With vast capacities of bilateral to normal. According to IMF, Iran’s military drills are very small in the In the case of Syria, although we cooperation, the firm will of the two economy growth has reached 6.7 in number especially in comparison to firmly believe in combating terror- leaders, and the common stance on 2016. other regional countries. ists, we also believe that all disputes international and regional issues, In the sixth five years plan of Iran Imposing the new sanctions on between the government and op- we predict a positive landscape for for economic and social develop- Iran based on baseless claims is ponents should be solved by direct promotion of the Sino-Iranian ties in ment, it has envisioned vast develop- in violation of the spirit dialogue between the two sides. The future. ment of infrastructure projects, of JCPOA. The principle of the policies of Iran in expansion of industries such negotiation Syria is in political settlement, keep- GT: Iran is an important partner for as oil, gas and petrochemical between the ing territorial integrity and agreement China in the “One Belt, One Road” projects. Some are supposed US and Iran of people and state government initiative. With the Belt & Road sum- to be financed by domestic was limited with no intervention from foreign mit scheduled in May in Beijing, investment while the door to nuclear countries. what does Iran expect from it? Khaji: OBOR Initiative is highly important for connectivity, development and cooperation among route countries. In the history of the Silk Road, Iran was seen as the main East- West corridor and bridge between Europe and China. I believe that Iran can play an outstanding role in the progress of the “B&R” initiative objectives. During Xi’s visit to Iran, MOU was signed on “B&R” initiative and with the participation of relevant organizations and a special committee was established to discuss the realization of agreements. We take the May Summit into account as a moment for “B&R” initiative to designing a practical framework. Certainly Iran will have a high-level participation at the Sum- mit.

GT: It’s been a year since the implementation of the Joint Page Editor: wangbozun@ globaltimes.com.cn Ali Asghar Khaji, Iranian ambassador to China Photo: Li Hao/GT Monday March 6, 2017 11 MOSAIC

100 customers flee Human meat and two veg Have a case? Call Spanish restaurant a ‘robot lawyer’ without paying A man “Robot Lawyers,” or apps and Spanish police were on Friday throws websites that offer legal advice hunting more than 100 res- confetti on using algorithms and artificial taurant customers who fled an animal intelligence, may change the without paying the bill. rights way China runs its law firms. The party enjoyed a 2,000- activist on The latest example is Fagou- euro ($2,100) banquet on a plate that gou, a Beijing-based startup reads “Think Monday at the Hotel Carmen of those on that provides law consultancy restaurant in Bembibre, north- your plate” services through a website ern Spain, before promptly in Mulhouse, interface, Xinhua reported. doing a runner. France Through a series of prompt- “They were dancing, then during ed questions, users can not only suddenly they had disappeared. the city’s see if they have a case, but also In one minute, a hundred carnival on check the likely outcome. people had left,” restaurant Saturday. The site pulls from a data- boss Antonio Rodriguez told Photo: CFP base of 30 million documented Cadena Ser Radio. cases to make its predictions, “They didn’t leave in little said co-founder Liu Qian at a groups – no, they went all at press conference in Wuhan, once.” Hubei Province on Sunday. Restaurant staff were unable “It doesn’t just handle crimi- to stop them, Rodriguez said. nal law, but also civil cases,” “You can’t do anything said Liu, and it is constantly when there’s so many of being updated,” Liu said. them,” he added. Fagougou is not the first The Guardia Civil police AI law service. The Alibaba- declined to confirm media backed app Faxiaobao launched reports that the fleeing diners in October. were from Eastern Europe, While the services have but an official from the force attracted interest, law experts said they were not Spanish remain skeptical. nationals. “Court cases still require “We know roughly where analysis based in morals and they are,” he added. ethics that would be difficult for AI,” said Xiong Minghui, a AFP professor from the Institute of Logic and Cognition at Sun Yat- Page Editor: Sen University. lengshumei @globaltimes.com.cn Xinhua

UK cinema-goers asked to become real-life 007s Live streamer unsteals shared bikes UK film icon James Bond and share our values, there is has entertained audiences for a future for you in MI6,” said decades, but now the country’s agency chief Alex Younger as he China’s bike sharing revolu- when she discovered the bikes think they can take them for foreign intelligence agency is unveiled the advertisement.. tion may be facing a bumpy she planned to rent had been themselves? Say ‘no’ to this asking cinema-goers to become Younger has previously road ahead, with cases of park- slapped with personal locks. bad trend!” she told her audi- spies themselves. blamed Bond for creating a ing disputes, vandalism and In the broadcast viewed by ence. MI6 on Friday unveiled stereotyped image of a British theft on the rise. tens of thousands, the host Most viewers showered the an advertisement – entitled spy, and is keen to employ more But a live streaming host went to a neighboring hard- host with praise, some reward- “But She Can” – that will be female agents. won support (and cash re- ware store, borrowed an elec- ing her with around 10,000 shown in cinemas as part of He said the fictional spy wards) from fans on Tuesday tric saw and buzzed through yuan ($1,600). a recruitment drive to attract gave a “misleading portrayal” when she liberated three stolen the cheap cable locks looped However, some Sina Weibo budding spies from diverse of MI6, and that Bond would bikes locked up on the street. through the back tires. users criticized her for not backgrounds. “have to change his ways” to The Huajiao platform host, “Shared bicycles are alerting relevant authorities. “I want everyone to know survive in the modern agency. who was not named in reports, designed to convenience the that, regardless of background, was going out with friends public, why should people Global Times if you have the skills we need AFP Well-armed women Teen killed in car crash helps 7 with donated organs A Yunnan Province teen who thought...” said Yunyun’s griev- was killed in a car accident ing mother. will immediately help at least Doctors said that Yunyun seven people through organ would donate a total nine or- donation. gans, including his heart, liver, The donation of nine organs lungs and kidneys. set a provincial record for most Presently, seven people will from a single donor, yunnan. benefit from his donations, cn reported. doctors said. The 16-year-old, identified His mother explains that only by his nickname Yunyun, she will wait until her younger died from severe head trauma son is older to tell him of his he sustained in a Kunming car brother’s donation. crash on February 25. “I believe they will meet It was Yunyun’s parents again, someday,” she said. who consented to donate all of In cases where the deceased their son’s organs at First Hos- is not a registered organ donor Women perform the dance of pital of Kunming on Saturday. or has not made their stance the Thousand-Hand Guan Yin “I had seen public aware- clear before death, the law in Yichang, Hubei Province on ness campaigns for organ allows for relations or close Sunday in a local ceremony donation in the hospital before, friends to make the decision. to mark National China Youth and always thought about Volunteer Service Day. Photo: CFP donating myself. I had never yunnan.cn 12-13 Monday March 6, 2017 DEPTHOFFIELD

Clockwise from top left: Female representatives from Guizhou Province go into an NPC meeting wearing traditional ethnic costume. Actresses Song Chunli (left) and Song Dandan show up for CPPCC discussions on culture and arts. Lu Yaping, businesswoman WOMEN SPEAKING UP in cloth sales and CPPCC National Committee member for Haimen, Jiangsu Province, suggests giving couples with second hina’s two annual national Every year, female representatives children tax cuts. legislative sessions kicked at the two sessions help address Song Zuying, famous Coff last Friday. Among the issues facing the country by giving soloist, shows up for CPPCC attendees of the National Commit- their unique point of view. For discussions. tee of the Chinese People’s Political example, this year, there will be dis- Qin Jianning, deputy of Consultative Conference (CPPCC) cussions about protecting girls from Zhuang ethnic group and the National People’s Congress sexual harassment, ensuring rural from Guangxi Zhuang (NPC), the female representatives women get equal Autonomous Region, is in particular drew a lot of attention, access to educa- being interviewed. given the proximity of International tion and provid- Li Lanjuan (left) and Deng Women’s Day on Wednesday. ing mothers with Nan converse during China has a national policy adequate childcare a CPPCC meeting on encouraging women to participate resources. technology. Li is a disease control expert and Deng in politics and discuss policies. Local Scan to read and share governments have been told to pay Global Times story on your phone is the daughter of former particular attention to promoting leader Deng Xiaoping. female policymakers and civil ser- Page Editor: Photos: CFP [email protected] vants, and encourage them to bring up important issues. 14 Monday March 6, 2017 EDITORIAL Growth target consolidates faith in economy

hina’s GDP growth target for ficient enterpris- under downward out doubt become the new highlights 2017 will be around 6.5 percent, es to stay afloat. These fields will pressure. of the emerging Chinese economy. Cor higher if possible in practice. In addition, the without doubt become There are many Experience across the globe indi- This is one of the remarks in Chinese anti-corruption problems in Chi- cates that it is not hard to reach short- Premier Li Keqiang’s government work campaign keeps the new highlights of na’s economy for term peak performance in develop- report on Sunday that attracted wide- squeezing im- the emerging Chinese the moment. Yet ment, so a period of slowed economic spread attention. China’s economy proper spending. economy. given that it is now growth is not a big issue either. The has been stabilized in the macro level Problems have stable on the whole, hardest part is having trouble dealing while continuing to promote structural been exposed in we do not fear with accumulated problems after a cer- reforms. The confidence of Chinese so- fields where transformation is needed. these problems as they will most likely tain span of development, leading to ciety has been consolidated. Under such circumstances, it is truly turn into future opportunities for fur- turmoil or even a total rupture in the Will China’s economic growth con- rare and commendable for China to ther development. In the early stages of nation’s progress. tinue to slow all the way down? This maintain economic growth of 6.5 per- reform and opening-up, China lacked China’s biggest accomplishments has been the issue of most concern in cent. everything. People who had the chance in the past years are that it did not stop the past few years. However, since the Quite a few nations would turn to to go abroad came back with color TVs to make adjustments in its economic end of last year, people’s faith in the shock therapy when facing macro prob- and refrigerators. But not long after transition, instead, it adjusted itself Chinese economy has obviously started lems, which tends to result in violent that, China developed into the larg- while continuing to move forward. to rise again. social turbulence. The sudden shift in est producer of household appliances Now, society has fully adapted to the Structural adjustments in the Chi- European and US immigration poli- in the world. Today, Chinese people new normal in the country’s economy. nese economy have been comprehen- cies can well illustrate how easily they are purchasing high-quality big-ticket A few years ago, when China’s eco- sively unfolded. Many enterprises with can turn their economic policies into items when they travel abroad and nomic growth began to drop from 10 high energy consumption or that are a hard landing. China, on the other increasing numbers of students are percent, it was startling. But now when heavy polluters have been shut down. hand, can still make convincing plans studying overseas, equivalent to educa- we look back, we start to understanding The country no longer helps those inef- to reach around 6.5 percent growth tional “imports.” These fields will with- the meaning of a soft landing.

Voices I spy a wiretap

“There are many uncertainties about the direction of the major economies’ policies and their spillover effects.”

Li Keqiang, Chinese premier, speaking at the National People’s Congress about China’s economic direction at a time of demands in the US and Europe for trade controls, quoted by the Associated Press Sunday. “Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made Illustration: Liu Rui/GT against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation.” India using Dalai Lama card risks worsening bilateral ties

Anifah Haji Aman, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister, By Yu Ning BSERVER by China, Mongolia’s government on Malaysia’s demand for a so far not forthcoming O pledged to extend no more invitations apology over criticism from Pyongyang of the Despite objections by China, India to the Dalai Lama in late December. investigation into the death of Kim Jong-nam, quoted by will host the Dalai Lama in a disputed Against such a backdrop and at a AFP Sunday. region on the China-India border in Allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the time when a China-India strategic di- the coming weeks. On Friday, Chi- disputed area will inevitably trigger alogue was just held to improve bilat- nese foreign ministry spokesman confrontation, undermine the stabil- eral relations, the decision to receive Geng Shuang warned India of the ity of the region and sour Sino-Indian the Dalai Lama in the disputed region Please send submissions to [email protected]. Pieces should seriousness of the Dalai issue and relations. is unwise. Leveraging the Dalai Lama be no longer than 800 words. The opinion expressed in the published articles are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the the sensitivity of the boundary ques- For a long time, some Indians issue to undermine Beijing’s core in- position of the Global Times. The Global Times reserves the right to edit tion, and urged it to refrain from ac- have considered the Dalai Lama as a terests risks dragging the two coun- the articles for length and clarity. Inquiry: (8610) 65367563 tions that would further complicate strategic asset. They believe that India tries into a state of hostility. the question. Responding to Geng’s could gain many benefits by using the The good momentum for the bi- Check out our mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android remarks, Indian media outlet the Dalai issue as leverage. For instance, lateral relationship in recent years Daily News & Analysis quoted Indi- making an issue of the Dalai Lama shouldn’t be disrupted. In future, an official sources as saying that the could serve as a diplomatic tool to there is great potential for the two “Tibetan spiritual leader” was on his deal with China’s growing economic countries to tap into cooperation. As Follow us on way to India for a religious trip and and political influence in South Asia. the two biggest emerging economies, Twitter New Delhi was surprised at Beijing’s However, they overestimate the po- they have vast common interests on http://twitter.com/globaltimesnews new-found “sensitivities” as the Da- litical value of the Dalai Lama and his establishing a new global financial lai Lama has undertaken numerous group while miscalculating China’s order, tackling climate change and Facebook such visits earlier. determination to safeguard its core other major issues. Now China and http://facebook.com/globaltimesnews These Indian officials apparently interests. India have come to a critical period to didn’t realize, or deliberately ignored, An increasing number of Western further upgrade bilateral ties. Sina Weibo the severe consequences the Dalai leaders have shut the door on the Da- http://weibo.com/globaltimescn Lama’s trip would bring. The 14th lai Lama in recent years after realiz- Page Editor: [email protected] The Global Times is published six times a week Dalai Lama is by no means a spiri- ing the Dalai card is ineffective. In the from Monday to Saturday. tual leader but a Tibetan separatist. wake of a string of countermeasures Monday March 6, 2017 15 ASIANREVIEW Vicious cycle on Korean Peninsula must end

By Zhao Minghao tat gesture indicates the grow- posed a major and urgent threat Obviously, all these have ex- have met with US Secretary ing possibility of a major crisis to the US. Many US experts be- acerbated Pyongyang’s sense of State Rex Tillerson, South he US and South Korea on the Korean Peninsula. lieve that North Korea has re- of insecurity. This time, if the Korean Foreign Minister Yun kicked off an unprec- US President Donald sumed plutonium production US dispatches more strategic Byung-se and North Korean Tedented high-intensity Trump talked about the North at the Yongbyon nuclear facili- weapons to join the military Vice Foreign Minister Ri Kil- joint military exercise on Korean issue many times dur- ties and is able to produce more drills with South Korea, it is song. Wednesday, which has made ing his presidential campaign nuclear warheads with fewer likely to force North Korea to China is stepping up its the international community and expressed his willingness materials through advanced take radical actions. shuttle diplomacy. Abiding by nervous. Foal Eagle, a field to speak with Kim. North Ko- technologies. On top of that, the Northeast the UN Security Council reso- training exercise involving rea’s state media outlet DPRK North Korea is expected to Asian security pattern is likely lutions, China has fully sus- ground, air and naval forces, Today also praised Trump as a build miniaturized warheads to become more volatile. The pended imports of coal from will run until the end of April. “wise politician.” Nonetheless, and bombs for mass produc- US will use the North Korean North Korea until the end of The US plans to send strategic it seems it’s increasingly diffi- tion by 2020, which means it threats as an excuse to build a this year. naval vessels such as the USS cult for the US and North Korea will gain actual combat capa- closer US-Japan-South Korea But, it insists that all par- Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to to improve their relationship bility through nuclear weap- military alliance, in particular, ties should actively explore new the joint drill, and the B-52 now. ons. North Korea also has been to deepen security relations be- ways to resume the talks while bombers will also be a part of it. Last month, when Trump steadily working to improve tween Seoul and Tokyo. strictly enforcing the resolu- Washington is expected to and his Japanese counterpart its ballistic missile technol- Many Chinese analysts tions. deploy its Terminal High Alti- Shinzo Abe met at Mar-a-Lago, ogy. Currently, it is believed are worried that should the Since 2009, the Six-Party tude Area Defense (THAAD) Trump’s private club in Palm to have more than 1,000 mis- THAAD system be deployed in Talks have been suspended in- anti-missile system in South Beach, North Korea launched a siles of varying capabilities. South Korea, it will also be de- definitely. Increasing sanctions Korea in June. All these moves ballistic missile into the Sea of Under such circumstances, ployed in Japan in the future. A have failed to alleviate North demonstrate that the Trump Japan. Planned talks in New more voices calling to be tough- mini NATO may be formed in Korea’s nuclear issue, but government wants to exert York between a North Korean er on North Korea are rising Northeast Asia. Regarding this, dragged it into a vicious cycle. strong pressure on North Ko- delegation and former US offi- within the US. Some former China and Russia must take If the situation continues, it will rea. cials were cancelled in late Feb- US military officials have said necessary countermeasures. be a loss for all parties. On the same day that Seoul ruary as the State Department the US should seriously consid- Despite the growing ten- and Washington began joint refused to issue visas for diplo- er launching a surgical strike sions on the Korean Peninsula, The author is a research fellow military drills, North Korean mats coming from Pyongyang. against North Korea. There are Beijing is still calling on all par- at the Charhar Institute and an leader Kim Jong-un inspected The Trump government many in the Congress demand- ties concerned not to give up ef- adjunct fellow at the Chongyang the headquarters of the Large may have determined that ing to return the country to the forts to seek peace. Institute for Financial Studies Combined Unit 966 of the Ko- North Korea’s nuclear weapons US list of state sponsors of ter- Chinese Foreign Minister at Renmin University of China. rean People’s Army. The tit-for- and ballistic missile tests have rorism. Wang Yi, in the past few days, [email protected] Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership built on empty rhetoric

By Li Jiangang strengthen security including cooperation in the maritime law enforcement The Vietnam-Japan ties have grown and Abe promised Vietnam six new closer since the new leadership of the patrol boats, which is definitely a break- Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). through though it is not what Vietnam Three weeks after taking office, Viet- wants. nam’s President Tran Dai Quang stated Hanoi is not poised to alter its ad- that Japan is one of the country’s most opted training and operational system important cooperative partners. under the pretext of garnering a few With widespread attention drawn to Japanese-made patrol ships which are it, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe not suitable for combat. Tokyo is not paid his third official visit to Vietnam willing to offer the high-tech military in January in the wake of Vietnamese hardware, let alone deliver them. Japan Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s is not among the top 10 countries from visit to Japan in May 2016. Japan’s which Vietnam has purchased weap- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko onry. Illustration: Liu Rui/GT also started their “spring trip” there in At the fourth Vietnam-Japan defense late February. External Trade Organization. John Kerry, as well as Abe, visited policy meeting in November 2016, The two countries have had frequent Japan became the second country Vietnam. It is considered Vietnam’s Vietnam agreed to accept Japanese exchanges at different levels and at- to establish strategic partnership with diplomatic achievements as some great warships’ visits at all its harbors, and its tached importance to the relations given Vietnam in 2006. The relationship world powers are all focused on the technical and logistics operation at Cam the growing uncertainties of the politi- was deepened and both countries an- country. Ranh Bay. But these are also offered to cal and military situation in the region. nounced their commitment to Asia’s Nguyen Phu Trong’s China visit, China. Hence, the “new consensus” But are they really close to each other? peace and prosperity in 2014. from the news coverage and opinions, between Japan and Vietnam cannot It’s hard to deny the fact that Japan Such definition of the relationship surpassed the other two. Kerry’s trip advance the latter’s military capacity. has made great contributions to Viet- is just nominal because there has been yielded nothing concrete, and Abe’s trip, Vietnam has emphasized its military nam’s social and economic develop- nothing strategic but the deepening of Vietnamese scholars said, was nothing independence and pursued no alliance. ment, as well as the country’s integra- trade and aid, and the commitment is special other than the consistent aid Vietnam will not enslave itself to Japan tion into the world. nothing but empty talk. provision. for security concerns. As Vietnam’s top aid provider, the Some Vietnamese experts believed Despite their many visits, the Japa- In a nutshell, the Vietnam-Japan second largest investor and the fourth that the two countries are stepping up nese royal family purports to play the relationship isn’t that close. Each just biggest trade partner, Japan has pro- cooperation in response to the rising role of an envoy of friendship. But, it takes what it needs. vided a great deal of aids in educational China. But, the new leadership of the is hard to say if the Vietnamese people training, agriculture, infrastructure, CPV has ushered in closer relations will set aside Japan’s atrocities during The author is an assistant research fellow of urban construction and environment. with the Communist Party of China WWII. the Institute of South and Southeast Asian During Abe’s dollar-diplomacy (CPC). On the South China Sea, Vietnam is and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes visit in January, Japan pledged to offer Vietnam’s “ensuing diplomacy” obviously a chess piece that Japan hopes of Contemporary International Relations. Vietnam 120 billion yen ($1.5 billion) in has garnered quite a bit of attention in to play since military cooperation is [email protected] official development assistance. Later, January when, almost at the same time, always a hot topic on the agenda during Nguyen simply said he hopes Japan General Secretary of the CPV Central bilateral summit talks. However, these Page Editor: could top the investors list when meet- Committee Nguyen Phu Trong visited talks have not led to any actions. [email protected] ing with representatives of the Japan China and former US state secretary For instance, the two sides agreed to 16 Monday March 6, 2017 FORUM Report to boost cyber development

By Xu Longdi norms and trends in cyberspace, embody the hina released the programmatic keystones International Strat- – peace, sovereignty, Cegy of Cooperation shared governance and on Cyberspace on March shared benefits and 1. It is another vital docu- incorporate the major ment set to guide China’s trend of global cyber- cyber diplomacy in multi- space governance and dimensional ways after the appeals among devel- the cyber security law and oping countries. the strategy on national The goals cover cyber security. development, secu- The Strategy indicates rity and governance. For China’s stance on policy instance, some strategic germane to international goals like safeguard- issues and expounds ing the citizens’ lawful China’s basic principles, rights and interests and strategic goals and action promoting cooperation plans for cyber diplo- on the development of macy. It will facilitate the the digital economy are convergence of consensus closely linked to people’s across the country and livelihood. Based on past thus, sets the direction for experiences, the action the development of cyber promoted in the Strategy Illustration: Liu Rui/GT security. It will also enable is expected to yield sub- the outside world to better stantial results. understand China and lay the founda- ships, including open communication that no country is alone when fac- In short, the open, cooperative and tion for China’s cyber cooperation with with partners in different fields. ing problems or challenges, nor any pragmatic report is a significant part of the international community. Overall, The four basic principles, six stra- country would achieve anything without China’s overall strategy on cyberspace the report has disclosed China’s three tegic goals and nine plans of action cooperation. The “shared governance” and a guideline to China’s cyber diplo- major ideas of cyber development. proposed in the strategy all emphasize advocated in the Strategy also asks macy. With this, the exchanges and co- The first is openness. The Inter- openness. all sides involved to share Internet operation between China and the internet in China has grown at a rapid The second is cooperation. Coop- sources and responsibilities, and govern national community on cyberspace are pace since the country introduced the eration is the key to success in seizing cooperatively, which reflects China’s full to be boosted. China will make greater opening-up policy seeking international opportunities, advancing developments recognition of cyber affairs and its role contributions to Internet development cooperation. Openness is an important and meeting challenges, as well as in win-win development. and governance across the globe. part of China’s cyber accomplishments. maintaining security. The name, the Pragmatic approach also matters. In Hence, a peaceful, secure, open and In recent years, China has strength- International Strategy of Cooperation the information age, with the endless orderly cyberspace, as well as a mul- ened its cyber diplomacy by participat- on Cyberspace, itself manifests China’s emergence of new technology and cyber tilateral, democratic and transparent ing in the world’s Internet governance. strategic thoughts which seek coopera- threats, only practical efforts can further Internet governance system is expected. China now has become an important tion and peace, rather than competition, the advancement, and strengthen secu- global player in the virtual domain conflict or war. rity and governance in cyberspace. The author is a research fellow with the thanks to its openness. The action plan The goals and plans also promote The four principles raised in the China Institute of International Studies. in the Strategy asks to expand partner- cooperation. The Strategy points out Strategy are based upon international [email protected] China’s defense budget increase conforms to economic growth pace

Editor’s Note: year. Due to China’s slower eco- the deployment of the US en the US’ military power. China said on Saturday, during nomic growth, the decelerating Terminal High Altitude Area T Trump vowed to rebuild the 12th National People’s increase of fiscal revenue and Defense anti-missile system WOSESSIONS America’s armed forces with Congress, that its military rising domestic expenditure in South Korea and enhanced 2017 a $54 billion increase in mili- spending is expected to grow by in a number of fields, slightly US military presence in the tary spending, especially for approximately 7 percent in 2017, easing off the nation’s military Western Pacific Ocean. It In 2016, China’s GDP naval vessels. the lowest increase in six years. spending is in line with China’s means China must make spe- growth declined to 6.7 percent, China’s military develop- The figure attracted widespread overall economic conditions. cific plans to boost its military with an increase of 7.6 percent ment is based on two objec- analyses across the globe right It is unnecessary to make a power and nuclear deterrence in military spending. During tives. First, the spending in away. How do we interpret comparison of the defense bud- for corresponding issues. the ongoing two sessions, Bei- military development gives China’s 7 percent defense budget between Beijing and Wash- But, the current budget is jing has set the GDP growth priority to safeguard national get increase? And what drives ington. The US has not had an enough. We should be more target at around 6.5 percent security, sovereignty and mari- China’s military development? increase in military budget of confident that the construction for 2017, with the increase in time rights. Second, China is The Global Times spoke with over 10 percent in years. Trump of China’s strategic military military spending to around 7 conducting orderly military re- two experts on the issue. is committed to turning the power will be fully capable of percent, which is proportion- form including revamping the tide since assuming office. In dealing with changes in the in- ate to the size of the country’s command structure, aiming Shi Yinhong, director of the Center Trump’s own words, he is seek- ternational strategic situation. economy. The planned military to adjust itself to the changing for American Studies at Renmin ing a “historic” increase in US budget also takes into account military landscape of the world. University of China military spending of more than Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert the commodity price and the China should be steadfast I think the 7 percent military 9 percent. A country’s military capacity demand for military reform. on such reforms while increas- spending increase was made China’s defense budget in- certainly develops at the same China’s 954.35 billion yuan ing its military spending at a given two premises. To begin crease over the past two decades pace with the growth of its ($146.67 billion) military bud- moderate pace. Beijing’s strate- with, during most of the past has offered the nation a huge GDP and the overall national get for 2016 was approximately gic thinking on military spend- two decades, China’s defense momentum in developing its strength. The slight increase in a quarter of the US’ $573 billion ing differs from Washington, budget has risen more than military forces, and it has been Chinese military spending year defense budget last year. which seeks to play the role of a 10 percent annually. It means, one of the driving engines of by year conforms to China’s The US will increase its dominant global power. in general, our total military the country’s astonishing prog- economic development of the military spending by more than spending is considerable. There ress in its military might. new normals, as well as the 9 percent in 2017, projecting Page Editor: wangwenwen@ is, thus, no need to pursue a Beijing is now facing cer- trend of military development Trump’s persistent Cold War globaltimes.com.cn growth of over 10 percent every tain security threats including across the globe. mentality, which will strength- Monday March 6, 2017 17 VIEWPOINT ‘Post-West’ order outweighs US concerns

By Cui Heng away from the integration theory. Since then, some non-Western initiatives ussian President Vladimir Putin like BRICS and the Eurasia Economic often used the annual Munich Union were established. RSecurity Conference as a stage In addition, the deteriorating US- to deliver Moscow’s national security Russia relations in the wake of the policy to other countries. He scolded the Ukraine crisis have altered the under- US and NATO for their Russia policy at standing of Russian elites toward the the 2007 conference, which marked an world order. Those liberals who stood end to the ameliorated US-Russia ties, staunchly in support of the integration resulted from their anti-terrorism coop- theory have also come to realize that eration. The bilateral relationship was at Russia cannot completely accept the its lowest ebb since the Cold War. Since current order which is unreasonable then, the conference has evolved into a and hard to maintain. The US-Russia battlefield for Russia and the US. relations under the Trump adminis- The main themes of this year’s tration, provided it might be relaxed, Munich Security Conference, held from would miss the déjà vu in the bilateral February 17 to 19, was the Syrian crisis, rapport during the Yeltsin administra- Iran’s nuclear deal and the US foreign tion. policy. Aside from the above agenda, The new world order has become a new US Vice President Mike Pence was well-known doctrine nowadays. Though supposed to be the main speaker at the Illustration: Liu Rui/GT it has garnered a lot of discussions event and talked about Washington’s the Crimea crisis. the integration theory to the country’s among Russian intellectuals, Russia’s security and foreign policy. However, he The US-Russia war of words at the reform. Nevertheless, the Soviet Union power is still not strong enough to set was overshadowed by Russia’s Foreign conference ignited as Lavrov naturally failed to implement it before its col- the rules for global politics, nor has it Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called for a dismissed Pence’s stance on Russia. lapse. formed any ideas that could replace the “post-West” world order. Short, but clear and sharp, Lavrov’s Revolutionists, as well as liberal poli- current order. Lavrov harshly criticized NATO and speech asserted that NATO is “a Cold ticians from the Soviet times like Boris Lavrov’s views on the new world or- what Pence said about the future of War institution,” and a world order Yeltsin, Yegor Timurovich Gaidar and der don’t necessarily mean Russia is go- the organization. Since US President governed by those elite countries cannot Yevgeny Yasin continued encouraging ing to change the exiting order. But, it is Donald Trump described NATO as last forever. Under what Lavrov called the Russian people to believe that inte- widely agreed that the current order has “obsolete” after his election victory, the “post-West” world order, influences grating into the Western countries-led its problems and Russia is not the only European representatives have ex- of those countries should be waning. world order guarantees Russia’s revival. one concerned. Hence, critics of Russia pressed concerns before and during the That was not the first time the build- Before the 2008 economic crisis, should be wary since Russian leaders meeting. But, Pence promised that the ing of a new world order was proposed. Russia followed the integration theory have been demonized and conspiracy US strongly “supports NATO” while After the Cold War, views of the Rus- even its international status was oc- theories about Russia have also been ap- criticizing Moscow’s intervention in sian elites on the relationship between casionally challenged by the Western plied to their speeches in recent years. Syria and Ukraine. Pence also claimed their country and the world order have countries. that Russia has become a security threat changed. After WWII, the Soviet Union The economic crisis, originated in The author is a PhD candidate at the Center to the Baltic states and Poland, urging had rejected the US-centered world or- the West, shook the foundation of neo- for Russian Studies, East China Normal the US to hold Russia accountable for der until Mikhail Gorbachev introduced liberalism and caused Russia to back University. [email protected] Merkel’s North African trip aims to curb illegal migration

By Marwa Yahya Merkel, who is campaigning portant centers for stepping up $500 million in support of its technological equipment for to win a fourth term in office border control with Libya, the economic program. detection.” Coming under heavy pressure in national elections in Sep- political expert Fahmy noted. Answering a question on He added that dealing with after allowing a million refu- tember, “under fire,” Fahmy According to Fahmy, “the the potentials of success of the migration issue socially and gees into Germany, Chancellor explained. visits are also part of the efforts Merkel’s cooperation efforts to economically will “take a long Angela Merkel’s two-day trip to Merkel’s talks in Egypt and to slow the flow of migrants push forward for reducing mi- time,” because the origin coun- North African countries were Tunisia, two countries neigh- into Europe and increase in- grant flows, Fahmy said, “it’s tries of migrations are usually mainly aimed to curb illegal boring Libya, also covered ways telligence-sharing to combat too early to see the fruits, and very poor, and only aiding them migration to Europe, political to respond to years of instabil- Islamic State terrorist opera- proactive measures in coop- with simple developmental pro- analysts said. ity exploited by smugglers in tions.” eration with the North African grams “isn’t the solution.” Merkel started her trip on Libya. “Libya is the most danger- countries should be taken.” Meanwhile, Saeed Lawindy, Thursday visiting Egypt and “Without a political stabiliza- ous line for Europe, because Egypt, which also suffers international relations re- then Tunisia and had also tion of Libya, we won’t be able the largest expansion of smug- greatly from the flows of illegal searcher with the Al-Ahram planned a trip to Algeria the to stop the human traffickers gling organizations has been migration, with nearly five mil- Center for Political & Strategic week before but it was called operating out of Libya,” Merkel going on there in recent years,” lions living on its land, is an Studies, said, “Merkel’s efforts off after President Abdelaziz said in her latest weekly pod- he pointed out. essential partner for Europe to to stop migration must be asso- Bouteflika fell ill. cast. He deemed joint strate- solve the problem, he added. ciated with joint agreed upon- “Egypt and Tunisia are main In Egypt, the German chan- gies among the Mediterranean Curbing the illegal migra- measures with North African gateways for African migrants cellor said, “there are routes for countries in addition to reach- tion requires deterrent mea- countries.” seeking to cross the Mediter- illegal immigration from Libya ing rapprochement in points of sures and better means for He added besides securing ranean to Europe,” said Tariq to Germany. We have a lot of views over the region crises are securing the borders as well as the ground and coastal bor- Fahmy, professor of interna- mutual concerns and interests necessary to find a mechanism intelligence cooperation to un- ders, “the European countries tional relations with the Ameri- in putting an end to this.” for dealing with illegal migra- veil the organizations that fund should allocate aid programs to can University in Cairo. Moreover, she told Tunisian tion. and run the migration opera- the African countries that suf- “Merkel’s visits to Egypt and President Beji Caid Essebsion Merkel said on Friday Tu- tions, he explained. fer destitution.” Tunisia are part of the efforts to on Friday that the political situ- nisia had agreed to take back Gamal Salama, political pro- limit migrant flow to Germany ation in Libya is difficult. 1,500 rejected Tunisian mi- fessor with Suez Canal Uni- The author is a writer with and Europe ahead of parlia- “No one is more interested grants from Germany. versity, also sees tackling the the Xinhua News Agency. The mentary elections in her coun- in political stability in Libya She also said the German illegal migration as “compli- article first appeared on Xinhua. try later this year,” Fahmy told than its neighbors, but I’ll say, government would provide Tu- cated,” considering it’s “a secu- [email protected] Xinhua. because of the migration issue, nisia with 250 million euros rity issue in the first place that Her policies allowed a mil- it’s also important for us Euro- ($265 million) in aid for de- requires tightening the border Page Editor: wangwenwen@globaltimes. lion refugees into Germany peans,” she said in Tunisia. velopment projects. Germany control and providing the cross- com.cn in only two years, which put Egypt and Tunisia are im- pledged to provide Egypt with ing countries with modern 18 Monday March 6, 2017 LIFE

s the Paris fashion week It appears so, as even designers Project, it stopped like Off-White, which autumn-winter shows reach who had flirted with the trend have the traffic with a had toyed with the unisex Atheir climax, we look at the returned to more fitted and feminine red leather coat androgynous look, cut biggest womenswear trends so far on fare. With Raf Simons, the Belgium and baggy trousers. its collection close to the the catwalk: designer credited with creating the body to emphasis the style now on the other side of the ‘A return to sex’ feminine. Mad hatters Atlantic at Calvin Klein, the moody That is how Paris has fallen head over heels for teenager look seems to be ebbing. Guy Laroche’s Cosmic love hats. This week has seen an unprec- It could be time to stop those Adam Andrascik Forget the jeremiahs edented sprouting of headwear on the gorilla sleeves at the wrists. described the who warn of rising popu- runways, from turbans to Dior’s Black return to more lism and division, Indian Panther leather berets. Wanda Nylon, Shiny leather tight-fitting clothes designer Manish Arora too, also featured that most French of Nothing emphasizes the new tai- that follow and forecasts a stellar future caps. lored trend more than the abundance flatter the lines of “full of cosmic love.” The US iconoclast Rick Owens cre- of sharply-cut shiny leather on the women’s bodies. His joyous, spectacular ated a whole gallery of mitres, crowns podiums. Vaccarello laid sexiness on with a collection promised “heavenly bodies and veils for the “contemporary Very few of the main shows were shovel at the Saint Laurent show – fit- aligning in glittering galaxies,” and ceremonial” of his show, making alien without the sheen of leather or slink- tingly held on a building site– skirting on the runway at least, he delivered. burqa hats from sweatshirt sleeves. ily cut silks or synthetics. very close to the fine line between Shooting stars and suns burst from Pascal Millet went for glittery bean- Anthony Vaccarello wrapped his audacity and vulgarity. belts, with great meteors swirls of ies, Faith Connection gaucho hats and 1980s Saint Laurent vamps in tight And Rochas designer Alessandro paisley Swarovski crystals on silk and borsalinos while Neith Nyers featured rippling leather outfits and Chloe Dell’Acqua talked about “finding the velvet tunics. woolly elf and flowerpot numbers. dusted off a brown patent 1970s mini erotic” in classic aristocrat style, with Dior too found room for astro- And one could only doff one’s cap dress that Mary Tyler Moore might bows aplenty to point up the sexual logical embroidery in its far more to Jacquemus for their stylish riff on have worn in one of her racier mo- tension that simmered beneath the austere show, while Issay Miyake vaguely Spanish black felt headgear, ments. surface. embraced the Aurora Borealis in its from jaunty bicorne Picasso monteras Lanvin, now under the classy Even streetwear-inspired labels gorgeously ethereal collection that to stovepipe 1950s numbers. Bouchra Jarrar, went for a full patent mixed Shetland wool coats and cloaks Japanese label Undercover ap- black suit while Olivier Theyskens with hi-tech sculptural pieces made peared to have topped everyone with chilled and thrilled with a full-length using baked and steam stretching a procession of wild plumed fascina- black Gestapo-style techniques. tors until the Andreas Kronthaler leather coat. As for Y/ blew them away with a punk Statue of Flying fur Liberty crowned helmet that almost Fur – fake and real – purred every- felt as big as the real one. where on the catwalks from collars, The turbo-charged Austrian de- stoles and hand muffs to feathery signer, who like his partner Vivienne trousers and skirts. Westwood is an environmental Young Turks Y/Project made the activist, also concocted a series of biggest statement with an all-envelop- headdresses made from rubbish and ing coat closed with a bow which even finished with his take on a sultan- had its own train. sized Ottoman turban. Dutch master Dries Van Noten, in his centenary Paris show, put fur Is over-sized over? sleeves on velvet coats and Guy La- Is it the end for the over- roche had striking fur stripes across sized androgynous coats, the front and on the sleeve of simple jackets and jumpers that have black and grey jackets. dominated catwalks for the last 18 months? AFP

 A look at all the latest trends from Paris fashion week

HATS, SHINY Models walk the runway during Paris fashion week autumn winter 2017-18 on Saturday. Photos: IC

Page Editor: zhangyuchen@ LEATHER AND FUR globaltimes.com.cn Monday March 6, 2017 19 LIFE MARDI GRAS DOWN UNDER

said 35-year-old Jemma Still, the orga- nizer of the float. “It shouldn’t be something we are still talking about but unfortunately we are,” she said, referring to litter sparkled on the discrimination in sports. faces and dresses of Despite having a vibrant gay GSydney’s drag queens population, same-sex marriage is Saturday as thousands paraded still illegal in Australia with the through the city championing country seen as lagging behind equality at the annual Gay and other nations. Lesbian Mardi Gras. Organizers estimated around a AFP quarter of a million people turned out to watch the colorful spectacle, as some 180 floats made their way down Oxford Street, Sydney’s gay hub, awash with rainbow flags and sequins. come in accepting The flamboyant displays included and embracing its LGBTQI a giant sparkling gold women’s shoe – lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, inter- inspired by Andy Warhol. sex – communities and what positive “From pure celebration and cre- steps there still are to make.” ative self-expression, to floats with a This year the Australian Rules wild and witty protest call to action, soccer league made history with the the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian introduction of a national women’s Mardi Gras Parade will be bursting at competition, which included the first the seams with pride and passion,” openly gay players at the elite level. said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Heralded by many in Australia as Gras Chief Executive Terese Casu. a pioneer for inclusivity in a tradition- The event grew out of a political ally male-dominated sport, Sydney’s protest in 1978 and is now one of the women’s Aussie Rules league paraded biggest of its kind in the world. a float with the message that there is Creating equality has long been “no place for discrimination in sport.” a cornerstone message of the Mardi “We’re proud, there is a hundred Gras and Casu said the parade wanted of us marching tonight, and we don’t Gays, lesbians and supporters wear colorful costumes to celebrate the to celebrate “how far Australia has really care if people are gay or not,” yearly Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney on Saturday. Photos: IC

Senegalese film UK singer Ed Sheeran obliterates Spotify streaming records with new album ‘Divide’ scoops top award Ed Sheeran has smashed day, its first day of release. he incorporated in two songs tions by rapping one song and at Africa film fest Spotify records with his new The figure far outpaced the on Divide. bringing in Irish as well as Felicite, a tale about a night- album Divide, which drew previous record-holder, The In both Britain and Ireland, Ghanaian music. club singer who has to scrape nearly twice as many listens Weeknd’s Starboy, which drew all 16 songs on Divide were the Sheeran, after several years together funds to pay for her on its first day as the previous 29 million streams when it top 16 on Spotify’s chart of the of playing on sidewalks and in son’s treatment after a road leader. was released in November. UK’s most-streamed songs. bars, won international suc- accident, scooped the top prize The world’s largest stream- The 26-year-old Sheeran Sheeran on Divide delivers cess with his 2014 love ballad on Saturday at Africa’s top ing service said that the pop performed especially well in more of his trademark acoustic “Thinking Out Loud.” cinema festival. singer’s album was heard his native Britain and in Ire- pop love songs, although he The film won the Golden nearly 57 million times on Fri- land, whose traditional music also branches in new direc- AFP Stallion award at the Pan- African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, held in the capital of Burkina Faso. One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson arrested after tussle at Los Angeles International Airport The prize adds to the Silver One Direction heartthrob Louis Tom- footage of the singer’s companion, Her- tion, has been a favorite of the gossip Bear jury prize awarded to linson was arrested after an airport nandez said. pages. the film two weeks earlier at brawl with paparazzi that left two people The photographer was taken to a He had a son last year with Briana the Berlin International Film injured, police said Saturday. hospital but the extent of his injuries was Jungwirth, a Los Angeles stylist whom he Festival. The 25-year-old Briton was in the bag- not clear. The woman with the cellphone had briefly dated. The two were said to The film is directed by gage claim at Los Angeles International hurt her eye but was treated on site, remain friends as they raised the child. Senegalese-French Alain Go- Airport with a girlfriend Friday evening Hernandez said. One Direction, once known for a mis, who in 2013 was praised when he entered a tussle with a photog- Tomlinson was taken into custody and squeaky-clean image that drew massive for Tey – a story about a young rapher, police said. released early Saturday morning after crowds of teenage girls, has been on hia- Senegalese who knows he is “Witnesses stated that Tomlinson posting $20,000 bond, a sheriff’s depart- tus since late 2015, with former member about to die, and looks at his pulled the photographer to the floor ment database showed. Zayn Malik pursuing the most active solo life through new eyes. by his legs causing the victim to fall He was ordered to appear before a career. The event is held every two backwards and strike his back and head court on March 29 to hear potential years and accepts for com- on the floor,” said airport police spokes- charges. He was arrested on allegation of AFP petition only films made by woman Officer Alicia Hernandez. simple battery, a misdemeanor that usu- African filmmakers. Tomlinson then also allegedly caused ally is settled by a fine. Page Editor: [email protected] a woman in the area to fall when he Tomlinson, who has sold more than AFP grabbed her phone as she tried to record 50 million records as part of One Direc- 20 Monday March 6, 2017 LIFE

By Li Jingjing three years, a major- rather unintel- ity of hit Chinese real- ligent move. outh Korean pop culture lovers ity shows have been In a post on in China are having a hard time adaptations of South her WeChat Swhen it comes to watching the Korean productions, Moment page, shows they love after all major Chinese including Running Limei stated that streaming companies purged their plat- Man, I am a Singer, in her opinion forms of South Korean shows last week. Where are We Going, people who are The move comes as relations continue to Dad? and Sisters over boycotting South sour between China and South Korea fol- Flowers. Korean culture over lowing the latter agreed in July of 2016 to This South Korean the THAAD system deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area fever inspired Chinese are being somewhat Defense (THAAD) system. companies to spend a hypocritical, since “I’m bored. I don’t know what to do fortune bringing South the US is the real with myself,” avid TV fan Stephanie Shi Korean stars to China so motivator behind told the Global Times. Before last week, they could star in local the deal. If they watching Korean TV series was a major productions. truly were willing to take part of her daily routine. South Korean stars a stance, then they should be willing to Changes haven’t just been limited to proved so popular that “throw away their iPhones and iPads, and the removal of South Korea program- sometimes security at these not watch US films such asLogan .” ming. Chinese TV programs adapted idols’ press conferences was even stronger As to the impact the current situation from South Korean shows have also and tougher than that of a hit Hollywood star. will have on China’s TV industry, Zhang undergone some changes to distance Yet, now Chinese shows are unwilling to said that it shouldn’t end up causing too themselves from their South Korean invite South Korean stars. much trouble. sister shows. “Original Chinese programs have per- The Chinese version of popular celeb- Secret to success formed pretty well recently,” Zhang said. rity game show Running Man, which is “Compared to our TV series, South Ko- “Additionally, China’s TV show now in its fifth season, changed its name rean shows have higher production quality. producers are better skilled than before… to Keep Running a few weeks ago. I am a From cinematography to music, many of Now that there are fewer South Korean Singer, also in its fifth season this year, is them are on the same level as films. Each shows available for import, that may now Singer. frame is a pretty poster,” Shi said, while inspire them to be more creative.” These changes are just a part of talking about how much she loves South Compared to three years ago, the in- China’s informal sanctions against South Korean TV series, even though she admits fluence of South Korean TV shows has Korea, along with Chinese travel agencies that sometimes the storylines can be rather fallen considerably as TV show produc- suspension of travel packages to South simple or repetitive. ers in China have started to look to other Korea and Chinese citizens Zhang Hongsheng, director of the Com- countries for inspiration. boycotting South Korea’s munication University of China’s Culture- For example, Dragon TV brought Lotte conglomerate, the economy Research Institute, told the Global Bear Grylls to China last year to company that agreed Times that South Korean TV shows have produce a Chinese version of to provide land for the been successful because they provide a sense Man vs Wild. Meanwhile, deployment of THAAD. of participation, reflect reality and are also one of the most popular From shows like Dae entertaining. TV shows right now is Jang-geum in 2003 to Letters Alive, an adapta- My Love from the Star Chinese industry impact tion of the popular in 2013, South Korean While the changes have impacted her BBC show Letters Live TV series have risen in hobby, Shi isn’t all that upset about things. in which performers popularity in China over “So be it, I’ll just go to watch other read correspondence the past few years. shows,” she said. between famous indi- Meanwhile, over Others have been more positive about the viduals. the past changes. Some Sina Weibo users have posted “South Korean that while they love watching South Korean shows are indeed TV series, they understand and support the different from US, removal. British and Thai Yet not all viewers are as optimistic. Limei shows, but they are (pseudonym) said she feels that the recent not irreplaceable, “ anti-South Korean cultural movement is a Shi said.

 China’s cultural cold war continues as S.Korean shows pulled from Chinese streaming platforms TAKING A STANCE

Promotional material for South Korean TV drama My Love from the Star Page Editor: Inset top: Chinese actor Zheng Kai (left) and South Korean singer Gary star in the huangtingting@ fourth season of the Chinese version of South Korean show Running Man. globaltimes.com.cn Inset below: Promotional material for Chinese singing competition Singer Photos: CFP Monday March 6, 2017 21 TEABREAK Garfield Horoscope

Happy birthday: Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) You will face a task that will require You will be very convincing creativity and imagination today. If you today. This will be a great let your mind wander, you are sure to time to lay out your plans come up with some innovative solu- and get other people on your tions to the challenges before you. A side. You will definitely need their sup- financial opportunity is heading your port if you want to make your dreams a way, so stay on the lookout. Your lucky reality. Yellow will be your lucky color. numbers: 2, 7, 8, 15, 19. ✭✭✭✭ Crossword Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22) Your life could use a little Be on the lookout for new more direction. Higher challenges today. Push ACROSS education can help you yourself hard and you 1 Waste of a vote? discover the path that is will be able to sharpen 5 Assemble most suitable for you. The position of the skills you need to take your career 10 Striker’s Benedict Arnold the stars indicates that you will have further. Fortune will favor the bold. 14 Word before “sapiens” good fortune when it comes to money ✭✭✭✭ 15 Draw___ in the sand matters. ✭✭✭✭ 16 They run up in bars Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) 17 What life is, in a tune Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) Have the courage to walk 20 Rustlers’ chasers Open yourself to all the pos- along today. You will be able 21 Standing out prominently sibilities that the universe to accomplish far more on 22 Penultimate word in fairy holds and opportunity will your own than in a group. tales find you. There is no reason Walk your own path and you will find 25 “Guarding ___” (MacLaine to shy away from risk today, as luck will success. Some news will make for a movie) be with you. You have a high chance of very pleasant surprise. ✭✭✭ 26 It may be iced when it’s discovering good deals if you go shop- warm outside ping today. ✭✭✭✭ Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) 29 Middle of the month The culinary arts will 31 Catch sight of from a Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) be your gateway to bliss distance Someone close to you is tonight. Take some time 35 Cousin on “The Addams going through some emo- out for a nice meal, be it Family” tional turmoil. While your at home or out at a fancy restaurant. 36 Goosebump-inducing 7 Small spasms 54 Devices to catch the unsus- first reaction may be to Financial matters may require your 38 Miscellaneous collection 8 Lose the derby? pecting try and help out, what they really need personal attention. ✭✭✭ 39 Difficult puzzle, e.g. 9 Prepared potatoes 55 At quite a distance right now is some space to think about 43 Cattle call handout 10 Anxiety stimulus 56 Small parasite things on their own. ✭✭✭ Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) 44 1960s jacket eponym 11 “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 57 Catalog card abbr. You will earn the admira- 45 Become aware of speaker 59 Narc follower? Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) tion of your coworkers if 46 Not on the level? 12 Assist an arsonist, e.g. 60 ‘30s art type It’s time to let go of the past you take on more respon- 49 Easter egg decorator 13 Some four-year degs. 61 “While” leader of old today. Although mistakes sibilities at work today. You 50 Mins. x 60 18 Assessed 62 Org. for MDs have been made, you will are capable of far more than anybody 51 Bread unit 19 Get to one’s feet 63 Measure of resistance only be able to move on to realizes, all you need is the chance to 53 One place for hay 23 Home to 11-Down’s parents 64 Org. governing air traffic the future by wiping the slate clean. Be shine. ✭✭✭ 55 Easy to get along with 24 Second or third TV showing on your guard when it comes to social 58 Wear in bad weather? 26 Pageant winner’s headgear situations. ✭✭✭ Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) 62 Premise of many sitcoms 27 Cultural value system It’s time to add a little bit 65 LeBlanc of “Friends” 28 ___ costs (by any means) Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22) of color to your life. Take 66 City on the Missouri 30 Put on the spot? An upcoming challenge will the time to head to an art 67 Movies, slangily 32 Fail to match, as colors be the perfect opportunity to museum or gallery and 68 Greek counterpart of Mars 33 Kitchen gizmo Today’s Solution demonstrate your profes- inspiration will find you. Lady Luck will 69 Historic Alabama city 34 Coupling devices for sional proficiency to your be by your side when it comes to money 70 J.K. Rowling is one farm animals superiors. This could be your chance matters. ✭✭✭✭ 37 Kind of alcohol to prove you deserve a promotion. DOWN 40 They’re certainly not ✭✭✭✭ 1 English bloke dreamers RATINGS ✭ 2 Stereotypical freight hopper 41 Cookie that can be disas- Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) 5: Head for Macao! 3 Surname among the “Good sembled Love is in the air tonight. Times” cast 42 Teenager’s time limit 4: Ye gods! The planets align! This will be a good time for 3: Things are looking up. 4 Use a divining rod 47 He worked with couples some snuggling at home. : Don’t bet on things working out. 48 Forbidden things 2 5 ___ Luis, Brazil Yellow will be your lucky 1: Watch out for black cats and ladders. 6 Polar wee one 52 Log-transport channel color. ✭✭✭

LearningChinese

Illustration: Xia Qing/GT Chat attack spiritual pollution (w-i sh9nme? n@ k3nq@l1i k0 b%xi3ng m9i of spiritual pollution. The more you read 精神污染 y#l# de r9n.) it the more poisoned you become. It’s (j~ngsh9n w$r2n) probably best to distance yourself from it A: Well although the language wasn’t as soon as possible. A: I bought a book a while, but I gave up that bad, the content lacked thought. And 确实。这种书就像精神污染一样，读 on it after reading half of it. there were a lot of passages filled with 得越多，中毒越深。还是早些远离比较前段时间我买了本书，看到一半就放弃 sentences that were blindly inspirational. 好。了。因为它虽然语言不错，但内容缺乏思 (qu-sh!. zh-zh6ng sh$ ji&xi3ng j~ngsh9n (qi1ndu3n sh!ji`n w6 m2ile b0n sh$, 考，还有大篇幅盲目励志的句子。 w$r2n y!y3ng, d%de yu-du4, zh7ngd% yu- k3nd3o y~b3n ji& f3ngq# le.) (y~nw-i t` su~r1n y^y1n b%cu7, d3n sh8n. h1ish# z2oxi8 yu2nl! b@ji3o h2o.) n-ir5ng qu8f1 s~k2o, h1i y6u d3 pi`nf% B: Why? You don’t look like someone who m1ngm& l#zh# de j&zi.) Page Editor: lacks willpower. [email protected] 为什么？你看起来可不像没毅力的人。 B: I get it. This type of book is like a kind 22 Monday March 6, 2017 SPORTS RoundUp American Sam Querrey celebrates beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the ATP Mexican Open final on Saturday Alpine skiing in Acapulco, Mexico. Photo: CFP Hirscher nabs 3rd globe Austrian Marcel Hirscher claimed a third crystal globe of the season on Sunday, his fourth-placed slalom finish leaving him atop the disci- pline’s standings. The 28-year-old won a record sixth consecutive overall title and the giant slalom crystal globe when he won that event on Saturday. Sunday’s slalom was won by Hirscher’s teammate Michael Matt, who clocked a combined time of 1 minute 48.26 seconds for his maiden World Cup victory, and just his second podium, at the age of 23. Italian Stefano Gross was second, 0.30 seconds adrift, with Germany’s Felix Neu- reuther rounding out the podium (+0.46) in the Slovenian resort of Kranjska Gora. Hirscher’s sixth overall globe bettered the record of Luxembourg’s Marc Girardelli (1985, 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993)  and equaled the ladies’ mark Acapulco win takes American back to top 30 in world set by Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell (1971-1975, 1979). Querrey shocks Nadal in Mexico Boxing Thurman beats Garcia WBA champion Keith Thur- man defeated Danny Garcia Unseeded American Sam ATP title in an impressive week “My forehand and back- convert any of his six break by a split decision on Satur- Querrey stunned second-that saw him beat four top-10 hand were great and my serve chances. That included five day night to claim the WBC seeded Rafael Nadal 6-3, 7-6 players – Belgian David Goffin, bailed me out of trouble when in the eighth game – three of welterweight belt in a unifica- (7/3) on Saturday to win the Austrian Dominic Thiem, Aus- I needed it.” which Querrey neutralized tion clash between a pair of ATP Mexico Open and end the tralian Nick Kyrgios and sixth- Nadal, playing his first tour- with aces. unbeaten champions. Thur- Spaniard’s run of perfection in ranked Nadal. nament since falling to Roger They went on serve to the man successfully defended his Acapulco. He’s projected to return to Federer in five sets in the Aus- tiebreaker, where Nadal faltered title for the third time, winning Querrey, ranked 40th in the the top 30 in the world rank- tralian Open final, was denied first. A brace of baseline errors a tactical defensive struggle by world, fired 19 aces, backed up ings on Monday. his first hard-court title since from Nadal gave Querrey a 6-3 scores of 116-112 and 115-113 on by powerful, precise ground “It’s definitely a tournament Doha in 2014. lead and a chance to serve for two of the judges’ score cards. strokes, en route to his first ca- that I’m going to remember Querrey surrendered just the title, with Nadal sending a The other judge had it 115-113 reer victory over Nadal in five for the rest of my life,” Quer- four points on his serve in the forehand long on the Ameri- for Garcia. meetings. rey said. “It’s just one of those opening set, and he broke Nadal can’s first match point. Saturday’s matchup be- The Spaniard, the 2005 and weeks where I got in the zone at love to seize a 5-3 advantage. “He played very well, almost tween the 28-year-old Ameri- 2013 champion, had never even and everything was working for He served it out comfortably, reaching perfection,” Nadal cans was only the third time lost a set in Acapulco. me. I hope I can have more like firing a forehand winner on his said. “I played under a lot of in history that two undefeated “I’m ecstatic,” Querrey said. this. second set point after just half pressure because of his serve fighters fought to unify welter- “To do it against Rafa makes it “After the match against Gof- an hour. and baseline game.” weight world titles. even a little sweeter.” fin, I knew I could go far here if Nadal made more inroads Querrey captured his ninth I continued to play at that level. in the second set, but couldn’t AFP Agencies Brilliant Park storms to victory with putting master class in Singapore

GOLF reporters after her 27-putt round at the may take a couple of months to get back fourth, Park surged clear with Ariya in New Tanjong Course. out on the tour and to get my rhythm hot pursuit when the Korean started her Former world No.1 Park In-bee wielded “There was a little bit of luck as well.” back,” the seven-time major champion birdie streak on the fifth and had raced a red-hot putter on her way to a Chased all the way by playing partner admitted. three ahead of the chasing pack by the tournament-record eight-under 64 that and world No.2 Ariya Jutanugarn, Park “I thought I was going to be a little 12th. catapulted the Korean to a one-shot vic- survived a late scare when she duffed a rusty like last week in Thailand but this Ariya cut the lead to two on the next, tory at the HSBC Women’s Champions bunker shot to bogey the last hole but week was totally different. Especially the and when her tee-shot on the par-three in Singapore on Sunday. finished on 19-under-par 269, a shot final round. I was a little bit inconsistent 17th landed 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the Playing in just her second LPGA ahead of the big-hitting Thai, who fired yesterday but I obviously made up for it pin, the 21-year-old seemed certain to Tour event since she was sidelined by a six-under 66. today.” close to within one, but Park drained a thumb surgery in May, Park reeled off Talented rookie Park Sung-hyun was The day started well for American monster birdie putt to keep the Thai at eight birdies in 10 holes in the middle of left to rue some wayward putting as she Wie, who maintained her overnight two- arm’s length. her round to overhaul overnight leader took third on 16-under but the cham- shot lead as she aimed to claim a first Michelle Wie and pull away from the pion, who won Olympic gold in Rio in victory since the 2014 US Open, until a Reuters field. August, was impeccable on the greens four-putt double-bogey on the par-five “I kind of felt like in the middle of as she claimed a second Singapore title fifth took the wind out of her sails. Page Editor: the round there, that I could make it in three years. As Wie’s progress stalled, the 27-year- [email protected] from anywhere on the green,” Park told “I’m surprised, because I thought it old would eventually finish in a tie for Monday March 6, 2017 23 SPORTS  United might even be on top of league if being more ruthless: manager Mourinho laments lack of cutting edge

Jose Mourinho fears Manchester Unit- draws when second best. to win and points to lose, but the reality pushed over Ibrahimovic in the after- ed’s bid to qualify for the Champions The United manager believes if his is that we are losing too many points at math of the elbow incident. League will fail because of their inability team had been more ruthless, they could home.” Friend than also sent Bournemouth to kill off inferior opponents at Old Traf- even be challenging Chelsea for the title, The match was dominated by three assistant manager Jason Tindall to the ford. but instead they are three points adrift of flash points just before halftime, first stand for making his protests too force- United had most of the possession the top four. when Tyrone Mings escaped punish- fully at half-time. and chances against struggling Bour- “If you look at the points we lost at ment for stamping on Ibrahimovic’s That all came after Josh King’s pen- nemouth on Saturday, but Zlatan Ibra- home, all the other matches we drew. head, then when the United striker alty had canceled out Marcos Rojo’s himovic’s penalty miss forced them to If you accumulate those points, you are elbowed the Bournemouth defender in first league goal for United, and before settle for a 1-1 draw. talking another 10 or 12,” Mourinho the face. Ibrahimovic’s second-half spot kick was Mourinho’s side have dropped home said. Referee Kevin Friend did not penal- saved by Bournemouth keeper Artur points against a number of sides be- “Then you are not just talking about ize either player, but did then send off Boruc. low them in the table this season, with top four, but top two or maybe even top Bournemouth captain Andrew Surman Stoke, Burnley and Hull all picking up one. There are matches to play, points for a second bookable offense as he AFP

Getting a head start RoundUp Shanghai SIPG striker Soccer Carlos Tevez heads the Schmidt gets the sack ball in their Bayer Leverkusen “regretfully” Chinese sacked coach Roger Schmidt Super – despite still being in the League first- round match Champions League – following against their humiliating 6-2 Bundes- Jiangsu liga thrashing at Borussia Suning on Dortmund on Saturday. Sunday in The 49-year-old is the ninth Shanghai. coach to be fired by a Bundes- Tevez scored liga club this season. two goals Schmidt, who took charge and laid in July 2014, was dismissed on another after three straight defeats in the 4-0 in all competitions and with victory, his Leverkusen mired in mid-table. first CSL The “Werkself” qualified for match after joining from Europe’s top competition in all Argentina’s three seasons under Schmidt, Boca Juniors. but have lost 11 of their 23 Photo: IC league games this season. Viola hold on to draw Goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu performed heroics as Fioren- tina held on for a point in a thrilling scoreless draw at high- flying Atalanta in the Serie A on Sunday. Sitting fourth in the table Fixture farce means EPL has winter break in all but name ahead of Inter Milan, Lazio and AC Milan, Atalanta have their fans dreaming of European It was only a couple of months scribed as a second preseason, Sam Allardyce can have few soccer next season. ago that the games were com- Liverpool lost at Leicester but complaints. TALKINGBALLS But despite a dominant ing so thick and fast for Pre- they looked back to their best Allardyce chose not to display in spring-like condi- mier League sides that the talk against Arsenal on Saturday. It take his Crystal Palace side JONATHAN WHITE tions in Bergamo, Gian Piero of a winter break got its annual was a similar story for South- away during their recent Gasperini’s men had to settle airing. However, the quirks of ampton, who also went to break in matches, canceling a ended up in Spain because of for a point after the Romanian the fixture schedule mean that Spain for warm weather train- proposed trip to Dubai in case the short notice in scheduling Tatarusanu pulled off a string many managers have inadver- ing prior to their EFL Cup final it sent the wrong message to the trip. of crucial saves for the visitors tently got the break that they against Manchester United as a the fans of the struggling side, So the main thing is getting in the closing stages. desired. part of their two-week break in but after a pair of wins, sunnier away and regrouping. Staying The result leaves Atalanta Liverpool boss Juergen fixtures before the final. climes are back on the agenda. closer to home would have done fourth. Klopp was vocal just last month Southampton were argu- His team do not play again un- nothing in the way of warm AS Roma’s chances of fight- that the lack of a hiatus over ably the better side at Wembley, til March 18 – another fortnight weather training, but it would ing for their first title since the festive period was partly re- they were certainly noticeably off. have still meant an opportunity 2001 were torpedoed by a 2-1 sponsible for his side’s slump fresher than their opponents If Palace go to Dubai then for all-important team bonding defeat to Napoli on Saturday in form around the turn of the and started the game much the they will follow in the foot- and a chance to regroup. when Belgium midfielder year. The irony is that it was this brighter. steps of Everton, West Ham While the players and man- Dries Mertens hit a brace. poor form that meant he could While it might be an acci- United, Stoke City and Man- agers hope to reap the benefit Fiorentina are now eighth. take his players to La Manga dent of scheduling – and a sign chester City in a mid-season of this de facto winter break, in Spain for five days of warm of being knocked out of the FA in the Middle East, while Hull the fixture farce means fans are Agencies weather training in the 2-week Cup – the fact is that the vast City went to Portugal and both left out in the cold this spring. period before their game majority of Premier League Bournemouth and Middlesbor- Page Editor: wanghuayun@ against Leicester City. sides have had a mid-season ough joined Liverpool in Spain. The author is a Shanghai-based globaltimes.com.cn Despite what Klopp de- break. Vocal managers such as Interestingly, Klopp’s side only writer. [email protected] SPORTS 24 MONDAY MARCH 6, 2017

 The Spurs overcame three and caught fire in 2016-17 three-pointers. James Harden a half lethargic quarters of play the third quarter NBA In Miami, the on Saturday before staging a furi- en route to his Heat took advan- notches 49th ous comeback in front of a crowd league-leading tage of Cleve- of 18,400 at San Antonio’s AT&T 49th double-double as the Hous- land’s decision to rest LeBron James double-double Center arena. ton Rockets toppled the Memphis and Kyrie Irving by beating the Cava- “We didn’t give in. We realize Grizzlies 123-108 to split the season liers 120-92. Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and more and more that you don’t have to series. Goran Dragic led the Heat with 23 the San Antonio Spurs shrugged off panic, you just have to keep playing,” Harden scored 20 of his game- points. Hassan Whiteside added 20 a listless start on Saturday to beat the said coach Gregg Popovich. “We were high 33 points in the third quarter, points and 13 rebounds for Miami, Minnesota Timberwolves 97-90 in very fortunate to win the game.” including 15 consecutive points for who have won 18 of their last 22 overtime and clinch a NBA playoff Leonard’s two baskets and a pair the Rockets. games. spot. of free throws gave the Spurs a 94- Harden added 11 assists while The Heat made 18 three-pointers, Leonard led his team to their sec- 90 lead with 2:21 left in overtime, Rockets center Clint Capela tallied a the most by Miami this season and ond straight overtime victory in as and a Danny Green putback with 18 career-high 24 points with the second most in franchise many days as the Spurs booked their seconds left iced the win for San 11 rebounds for his 10th history. 20th consecutive postseason berth. Antonio. double-double this sea- Miami kept pace with the Leonard scored six of his 34 points The game was tied 83-83 but son. Detroit Pistons in the battle in overtime as San Antonio stretched San Antonio had the final pos- Eric Gordon finished for the eighth and final play- their winning streak to seven games. session and 18.9 seconds to find a with 18 points and Nene off position in the Eastern Leonard finished with a team-high game-winning shot in regulation. came off the bench to score Conference. 31 points in a 101-98 victory over the Leonard dribbled out all but the 11 points. The Rock- New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. final three seconds from above ets got 45 points AFP It is still early March but the Spurs the top of the key, drove to his from their bench are the second NBA team this season left against Andrew Wiggins and finished to get into the playoffs behindGolden but did not get a shot off 18 for 42 on State, who did it a week ago with a before the quarter expired. 112-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets. In Houston, James Harden Spurs win Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs drives in for a layup against the Minnesota back-to-back Timberwolves on Saturday in San Antonio, Texas. Photo: CFP

Page Editor: wanghuayun@ OT games globaltimes.com.cn

Clear NATIONAL City Hi (ºC) Lo (ºC) Forecast March 6 Dali 17 8 Shower WEATHER Guilin 13 10 Rain Hangzhou 12 3 Cloudy Cloudy H: 9º H: -6º Kunming 20 7 Cloudy Beijing L: -3º Harbin L: -9º Lijiang 13 5 Rain H: -4º Urumqi L: -7º Humidity: 22% Macao 22 16 Rain Wind Scale: 4 Nanjing 13 3 Cloudy Daily Air Pollution Index: Qingdao 9 0 Cloudy Overcast Low Sanya 31 22 Cloudy UV Index: Low Shenyang H: 1º Two-day forecast L: -8º Shenzhen 22 16 Rain Suzhou 13 4 Cloudy

Rain H: 8º H: 11º INTERNATIONAL L: -1º L: -1º City Hi (ºC) Lo (ºC) Forecast

H: 8º Amsterdam 8 4 Rain Tianjin L: 0º Bangkok 35 27 Rain Berlin 10 4 Rain Shower Brussels 7 4 Rain H: 3º H: 14º Hohhot L: -11º Xi’an L: 2º Cairo 23 11 Overcast Colombo 32 25 Rain H: 12º Frankfurt 9 2 Rain Shanghai L: 4º Thunder H: 14º Karachi 32 19 Rain Chengdu L: 6º Kuala Lumpur 28 24 Rain London 8 4 Overcast Manila 32 22 Cloudy Melbourne 26 13 Cloudy H: 10º Mexico City 23 12 Rain Wind Lhasa L: -4º Moscow 3 0 Sleet H: 19º Mumbai 32 20 Cloudy H: 12º H: 16º Taipei L: 4º Chongqing L: 10º Wuhan L: 4º Nairobi 32 14 Cloudy New York City 3 1 Rain Snow Paris 10 2 Rain Rome 17 7 Rain H: 19º Guangzhou L: 15º San Francisco 12 7 Rain Sao Paulo 24 20 Rain Seoul 4 -4 Cloudy Smog Singapore 29 26 Rain H: 21º Hong Kong L: 17º Sydney 24 18 Rain Tokyo 11 6 Rain Washington 10 1 Overcast Biz Update Biz Comment Biz Insight CPPCC Reining in China’s members hail betrothal gifts changing govt effortsB2 B7 consumers B8

Biz Overview Tech chiefs promote AI at meeting B4-5

www.globaltimes.cn BUSINESSMONDAY MARCH 6, 2017

On Sunday at the opening ceremony of the fifth session of 12th National People’s Con- Govt work report highlights gress, the top legislature, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report, GDP growth target: Around 6.5 percent, expected to be higher if possible in practice in which he outlines the key areas of the economic development agenda for 2017. Below Real estate: Support new residents in smaller cities buying homes for personal use; experts discuss four of the main focus areas: GDP growth target, monetary policy, foreign increase land supply in cities with rising house prices direct investment and the property sector. Monetary policy: Stable and neutral with M2 and total social financing growing at 12 percent POLICY TWOSESSIONS Foreign investment: Continue to remove restrictions on foreign capital in services, 2017 manufacturing and mining; encourage foreign firms to list and issue bond in China GDP growth target: GDP growth around Excess real estate inventory: Stable and neutral monetary Foreign investment: 6.5 percent, which is Support local and new policy: The Chinese government expected to be higher if residents in third- and The monetary policy will continue to remove possible in practice. fourth-tier cities to buy should remain stable restrictions on foreign Cheng Shi, head homes for personal and neutral, with both investment in the ser- of ICBC Internation- use. Cities with heavy broad money supply vices, manufacturing and al Research Ltd: The growth target pressure from rising (M2) and total social mining sectors and will shows the central government’s home prices need to increase an ap- financing expected to encourage foreign-funded companies realistic and pragmatic policies of propriate supply of land for residential grow around 12 perent. to list and issue bonds as well as take seeking progress in stablity. use. E Zhihuan, chief economist of part in national scientific and techno- Given that China’s GDP Hui Jianqiang, research direc- the Bank of China (Hong Kong) logical projects in China. growth rate last year registered at tor with real estate information Ltd: The target indicates that the Wang Jun, director of the 6.7 percent, the new target shows provider Beijing Zhongfangyanxie adjustment space for China’s Department of Information at the that the government’s long- Technology Service: The new pol- monetary policy has expanded, China Center for International term judgement of the domestic icy to cut excess property inven- along with the increasing growth Economic Exchanges: China has economy is not impacted by short- tory in third- and fourth-tier cities momentum from supply-side re- pledged to promote high-level and term bounce. while increase land supply in hot forms and the growth of consumer all-around opening up in free trade As we have always stressed, cities is more flexible compared spending and investment. zones, taking advantage of foreign China’s economy features cha- with 2016 when cutting excess For now, 12 percent growth of direct investment and exports and rateristics of short-term bounce, home inventory was considered M2 is expected to boost economic imports. Despite global uncertain- long-term downward pressure a major task. But urbanization growth and help reduce bubbles ties, China is firmly sticking to and even more long-term rising. instead of cutting excess inventory and leverage. globalization and opening up to Short-term bounce gave rise to should be the target. Residents in The producer price index has fulfill domestic economic growth short-term inflation and property rural areas should be encouraged reversed a downward trend, and potential and promote the reform bubble risks, while in the long to buy homes near cities and their whether such a trend could expand of the domestic trade and invest- run, the country still faces growth employment, and social guaran- to the consumer price index (CPI) ment systems and mechanisms pressure. In this regard, the target tees as well as rights and interests is also a factor for maintaining that are not in line with interna- of 6.5 percent is realistic and connected with their farmland neutral monetary policy. tional standards. pragmatic. should be solved. Since the government work Introducing foreign firms to list In addition, the government’s The central government pro- report said that the CPI increase in the domestic stock markets also concern for people’s livelihood, posed the mechanism again this should be kept around 3 percent, shows the country’s confidence in employment and risk prevention year, indicating that the time to it’s necessary to maintain a stable the competitiveness of domestic highlights the economic develop- accelerate the rollout of the long- and neutral monetary policy to pre- companies, but technical obstacles ment characteristis of “slower term mechanism has come and vent a possible inflation trend. such as information disclosure growth of higher quality.” that restricted measures such as Changing domestic financing regulation need to be solved. limitations on mortgages will be structure is also crucial to let the reduced. capital market play a larger role. A resident in Fuyang, East China's Page Editor: [email protected] Anhui Province shops for vegetables at a local supermarket on Sunday. Photo: CFP Experts discuss government work report  Key document outlines economic development agenda in 2017

Send your tips, insights or photos to [email protected], or call our news line: +86 10 6536 7583 Address: The Global Times English Edition, 2 Jintai Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100026 B2 Monday March 6, 2017 TWOSESSIONS  More work needed to improve administrative efficiency CPPCC members applaud government efforts

ECONOMY tional committee member, told mainly produce low- and medi- between the promotion and the economic conditions and the By Zhang Ye and Huang Ge the meeting that it is gratifying um-end goods, Fu said. implementation, Zhou said. He need to promote domestic to know that China’s supply- But members also expressed said that although the reform is supply-side reform, Huang Members of the Chinese side reform is being carried out concern over whether the re- on track, different departments Shouhong, director of the State People’s Political Consultative in an orderly manner through form could be advanced given lack coordination. “Outcomes Council Research Office, told a Conference (CPPCC) National efforts like upgrading indus- the sluggish economic environ- are falling short of expecta- press conference in Beijing on Committee, the top political tries and cutting overcapacity. ment at home and abroad. tions,” he said. Sunday. consultative body, drew inspi- Many innovative results, Reform isn’t being uniform- Exports, imports and invest- Huang was responsible for ration from the central govern- such as those seen in the tech- ly pursued across the country, ment have been the major driv- drafting the government work ment’s work report issued on nology sector, are positive and Dai said, “Many local governing forces for stable economic report. Sunday, but some said they are benefit the Chinese people, he ment officials do not complete- growth in the past, but now, Adjusting China’s economic still looking forward to further said. “The government Work ly fulfill their duties, focusing trade is under great pressure, growth target to about 6.5 per- improvements in administra- Report delivered by Premier Li on their own businesses.” he said. cent in 2017 is intended to leave tive efficiency and simplifica- Keqiang is inspiring.” Dai, also president of Union- Intensive efforts are needed some flexibility for the coun- tion. Fu Yuning, chairman of life Insurance Co, said that pri- to promote economic reform in try’s structural transformation At a meeting during the China Resources Group and vate companies are still bur- 2017, and government depart- and economic reform, and it’s two sessions Sunday, CPPCC CPPCC national committee dened by taxes and fees, even ments are due for simplifica- also in line with the Chinese national committee member member, said that supply-side though the government is re- tion and streamlining, accord- government’s drive to establish Dai Hao applauded the govern- structural reform is critical in placing the corporate tax with ing to Zhou. an all-around affluent society, ment’s efforts in maintaining guiding businesses to meet do- value-added tax. The Chinese government Huang said. steady growth over the past mestic demand for high-quality China’s economic reform has set the country’s economic “GDP growth of more than year. products. has touched on comprehensive growth target at 6.5 percent in 6.4 percent could meet that re- Zhou Bohua, CPPCC na- Chinese companies now issues, but a large gap remains 2017, reflecting complex global quirement,” he said.

Official words Voices

“Fluctuation in the foreign exchange market is normal, and the market is affected by short-term factors, but such short-term fluctuations will return to the fundamentals … the foreign exchange market will be very sound and steady.”

Pan Gongsheng, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China and head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

“China hopes that foreign pharmaceutical companies Yi Gang, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, the central bank, talks to the media on the sidelines of this will actively apply to bring year’s two sessions in Beijing on Saturday. Yi said China “will never devalue the yuan to support exports and will never fight a currency war.”Photo: CFP their medicines to the Chinese market.”

Tax breaks will help companies restructure: NPC deputy Bi Jingquan, head of the China Food and Drug Administration

POLICY tection fees,” Liu noted. will be reduced this year, according Many enterprises in China are facing The appropriate levels for taxes to the government work report deliv- a burden from high taxes and fees, and fees depend on the profitability ered by Premier Li Keqiang on Sun- “In 2017, China plans to so more must be done to help them of enterprises, he said. “If companies day at the opening ceremony of the invest 800 billion yuan amid the economic restructuring of make much more money, it’s a dif- NPC session. the nation, a deputy of the 12th Na- ferent story, but today, the amount of Reducing corporate tax burden ($116 billion) in railway tional People’s Congress (NPC) told taxes and fees they pay is much high- will also help firms restructuring, Liu the Global Times on Sunday. er than corporate profits,” Liu added. noted. “It will be a tough period, but construction and 1.8 trillion Faced rising competition and over- During the ongoing two sessions, we’ll get better in the coming years.” yuan in highway and capacity, companies have been mak- a major political event in China, the ing negligible profits in recent years, reduction of corporate taxes and fees Global Times waterway projects.” said Liu Yonghao, also chairman of has become one of the hottest topics. New Hope Group. “The tax and fee In 2016, taxes were reduced by 570 Page Editor: [email protected] Li Xiaopeng, burden in general is very high, such billion yuan, and about 350 billion Minister of Transport as labor costs and environmental pro- yuan of taxes and fees on companies Monday March 6, 2017 B3 BIZMARKETS  Industry’s prospects hinge on uncertain path for oil prices US energy stocks stumble in 2017 after great 2016

The energy sector is the stock dard & Poor’s 11 stock sectors Because not all oil compa- pel a rally in the commodities, energy consumer – could also market’s dud so far in 2017 in 2017. Oil producers have nies perform the same task, and take the exploration and propel demand. after a banner performance in been the poorest among energy not all shares are created equal. production companies higher.” Shares of oil majors pay a 2016, and the rest of the year sub-industries, due to doubts Analysts said production com- Investors have already dividend yield, a benefit for may also be rocky for inves- about the demand outlook and panies, particularly those oper- beefed up bets on the sector – times when oil prices are range- tors due to the unclear path for an unexpectedly high level of ating in US shale regions like about $263 million has flowed bound, said Christian Ledoux, crude oil prices, Reuters report- crude and finished product in- Texas’s Permian Basin, where into US-listed energy mutual senior portfolio manager at ed on Sunday. ventories. drillers have been rapidly add- and exchange-traded funds South Texas Money Manage- Energy outdid all other sec- In 2017, energy is down 5 ing to rig counts, may be best in 2017 through February, ac- ment in San Antonio. “We tors in 2016, up nearly 24 per- percent, compared with a 6 per- positioned for gains. cording to Lipper data. The En- think that the other categories cent thanks to a late-year rally cent climb for the overall S&P They do carry risk, as shale ergy Sector Select SPDR Fund, of energy provide just too much on anticipation that impending 500. US oil producer shares producers can get more volatile which has about $17.6 billion in risk at this point,” he said. production cuts from major rallied in late November along if prices move more rapidly. assets, has attracted $400 mil- Investors are also looking oil producers would lift crude with commodity prices. But “There’s a lot of worry about lion of new investment, accord- at the potential effect from prices and after the election of they have pared gains this year what the US supply picture will ing to Lipper data. Trump’s policies. Since the Donald Trump as US president as a November 30 agreement look like, and there’s a lot of Companies like Exxon Mobil election, refiners are up more spurred investor hopes for in- by the Organization of the Pe- worries about the OPEC cuts,” Corp and Chevron Corp may than 9.5 percent, while oil pro- dustry-friendly policies. troleum Exporting Countries to said Vikas Dwivedi, global oil see profits rise as the economy ducers have gained less than However, energy shares cut production has so far failed and gas strategist at Macquarie strengthens and oil prices in- 2 percent, the weakest energy have been weak after peaking to quell fears of oversupply and Group in Houston. “We think crease. Increased power de- sub-sector. in mid-December, and are the lift crude prices beyond a tight you’re going to get good inven- mand and defense spending worst-performing of the Stan- $5 a barrel range. tory numbers, which will pro- – the defense sector is a big Reuters Living a fantasy India finalizes bills Cosplayers take pictures at Comiday19 in for new sales tax Chengdu, capital of Southwest India moved a step closer on Saturday China’s Sichuan towards launching a new national sales Province, over tax from July after a panel of federal and the weekend. The event, which state finance officials finalized two key ended on Sunday, bills to be put before parliament. attracted many The Goods and Services Tax (GST) anime fans. has missed several launch dates. On The popularity Saturday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of erciyuan – a said the measure is on track for a rollout Chinese term from July 1 with the bills set to be dis- referring to cussed in parliament after it reconvenes anime, comics, next week. video games To meet the deadline, parliament and novels, has must pass the bills, which spell out the spread across the operational details of the new tax, before country. Photo: its current session concludes in mid- CFP April. After a meeting with state officials in New Delhi, Jaitley told media that the panel would meet again on March 16 to complete two more bills on the GST that require approval from state legislatures. “This is a very welcome development and signifies that we are on track for Hope seen for stocks in fiscal policies, supply-side reforms [the] GST on July 1,” said M S Mani, a senior director at tax consultancy De- loitte Haskins & Sells LLP. “It is now es- Chinese mainland stocks are likely to TOCKREVIEW ite Index lost 0.36 percent to 3,218.31 sential that all businesses are adequately benefit from fiscal policies and supply- S points, losing 1.08 percent for the week. prepared to face the new era of [the] side reforms in 2017, according to a re- The Shenzhen Component Index shed GST.” port on the financial news portal stcn. as steel and coal, according to media 0.29 percent to 10,397.05 points, down The long-awaited GST is hailed as com on Sunday. reports. 0.45 percent for the week. India’s biggest tax overhaul since inde- China has set its GDP growth target Major mainland stock indexes slipped “Investor worries are fermenting, pendence in 1947, which would replace at around 6.5 percent for 2017, com- on Friday to cap off a down week as in- and at this juncture, signs of weakness a slew of federal and state levies, trans- pared with a target range of 6.5 per- vestors awaited the annual NPC meeting in one sector would immediately worsen forming Asia’s third largest economy cent to 7 percent in 2016, according to for any market-moving insights. sentiment of the whole market,” Reuters into a single market for the first time. a government work report delivered by The blue-chip CSI 300 index fell 0.21 reported on Friday, citing a report by Proposed tax rates range from 5 to 28 Premier Li Keqiang at Sunday’s opening percent on Friday to 3,427.86 points, Hengtai Securities. percent, with 12 percent and 18 percent of the annual session of China’s top leg- down 1.32 percent for the week. The Main sectors fell across the board, led being the standard rates. islature, the National People’s Congress weekly loss was the index’s biggest since by material and energy shares on the It has not been decided yet which tax (NPC). mid-December, indicating the blue chip- day. rates will apply to which categories of As China pushes ahead with supply- led rally is losing steam, Reuters report- Leshi Internet Information and Tech- goods. side reforms, some stocks will benefit, ed. nology Corp, a component of the CSI such as those related to State-owned en- Blue-chips have outperformed small- 300 and the ChiNext start-up index, de- Reuters terprise reforms and those in emerging caps on the back of a recovering econ- clined 5.51 percent to 31.89 yuan ($4.63) industries. omy and investors hope for more fiscal on Friday. Page Editor: [email protected] The reforms will also bolster indus- stimulus. tries suffering from overcapacity, such The benchmark Shanghai Compos- Global Times – Reuters B4-5 Monday March 6, 2017 BIZOVERVIEW Investors bet Trump-fueled rally  Sector may support Standard Life, FigurativelySpeaking on US stock market far from over competitiveness, offset Aberdeen Asset Amount of steel capacity that the Chinese govern- rising costs discuss merger 50 million tons ment plans to cut in EQUITIES to ETF.com, which tracks fund 2017, Premier Li Keqiang Technology companies have been flows. disclosed in this year’s government work report on Sunday. The gov- a driving force behind the US “We may be due for a little bit DEALS ernment also plans to cut more than 150 million tons of coal capacity stock market’s recent record rally, of a pullback, but we’re still buy- Standard Life and Aberdeen As- in 2017. and despite mounting evidence ers on weakness because we like set Management, two of Scot- of stretched valuations, the sector the longer-term outlook over the land’s best-known financial remains a top pick for investors next two to three years,” said Ter- institutions, are discussing an Expected scale of expecting a wave of capital expen- ry Sandven, chief equity strategist 11 billion pound ($13.5 billion) China’s fiscal deficit ditures by US corporations. at US Bank Wealth Management. tie-up to create Britain’s largest 2.38 trillion yuan in 2017, up 200 bil- Corporate tax cuts and re- The proliferation of smart, investment manager. lion yuan ($29 bil- duced regulations planned by connected devices in homes, Technology Fund management compa- lion) compared with 2016, the Ministry of Finance said on Sunday. President Donald Trump will factories and stores is leading to nies across the globe have faced The country’s 2017 budget deficit target of 3 percent of GDP is in line give companies reason to spend the collection of unprecedented rising regulatory costs as well with last year’s target. more on cloud computing, fac- amounts of data and creating de- as pressure to lower fees in the tory automation and smart con- mand for more computing pow- face of weak average returns nectivity that will directly ben- er to analyze it. chiefs promote and growing competition from Amount of funds raised efit Silicon Valley, many on Wall Spending on cloud comput- cheaper, index-tracking rivals, in IPOS in 2017, stcn. Street believe. ing will grow by 21.5 percent driving consolidation among 38.3 billion yuan com reported, citing a “The tax cuts are going to pro- a year through 2020, almost smaller as well as medium-sized statement from Guotai mote business investment across seven times as fast as overall IT AI at annual managers. Junan Securities on Sunday. The government has approved 78 IPOs all industries, and the business spending, according to a recent Standard Life is roughly twice so far this year. investment is largely going to be estimate by market research firm the size of Aberdeen at 7.5 billion in technology,” said Doug Cote, International Data Corp. pounds, while Aberdeen is one of chief market strategist at Voya After an eight-year US stock Europe’s largest listed fund com- Investment Management in New market rally, nearly all sectors political meeting Employees look at robotic arms of an artificial intelligence robot panies. Domestic vehicle producers York. are trading at earnings multiples writing couplets for the 2017 Spring Festival in Hangzhou, East In recent years, Standard Life Strong performances from big above their long-term average, China’s Zhejiang Province on January 16. Photo: IC has built up its Standard Life names including Apple Inc and but none more so than technol- Investments asset management ‘shouldn’t focus on exports’  Facebook Inc have helped make ogy, according to Thomson Re- POLICY TWOSESSIONS engineering and many other fields to Baidu’s smartphone connectivity system arm. SLI and Aberdeen now technology the strongest S&P uters Datastream. The sector’s By Zhang Ye 201 deeply influence our life and work,” Ma CarLife, a competitor to Apple’s CarPlay, manage broadly similar amounts 500 sector so far this year, surg- strong performance has left it 7 said at a press conference in Beijing on has been installed in more than 600,000 across stocks, bonds and other INDUSTRY Zhang said. ing 10 percent compared with the trading at 17.9 times expected China is holding its annual two sessions Friday evening. cars, Li told reporters on Thursday. assets, and together they would By Chu Daye “In recent years, Chinese ex- broader index’s 6 percent rise. earnings, compared with its 10- when officials and people from all walks industrial data to better advance AI tech- Amid a slowing economy and rising Baidu is also betting on the driver- manage assets of about 660 bil- ports have been declining, and In the past month, investors year average of 14.5 times expect- of life get together to discuss major polit- nology. labor costs, the Chinese government has less car, which was a major theme of Li’s lion pounds for retail and institu- Experts said that the domestic the development of foreign mar- have poured $325 million into ed earnings. ical, economic and social issues concern- Li is not alone. Two deputies of the resolved to infuse traditional industries proposal in 2016. The company is deter- tional clients. market is more crucial for Chi- kets is subject to external factors the US-listed Technology Select ing the country’s development. For the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) with new technologies. mined to bring its autonomous cars to That is more than double na’s vehicle producers than ex- such as exchange rate fluctua- Sector SPDR Fund, according Reuters country’s technology leaders, artificial are also AI advocates. Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday consumers between 2021-22. those of Henderson Group and ports, as the ability of the brands tions and politics. Building up intelligence (AI) appears to be a promi- NPC deputy Lei Jun, who is also at the opening meeting of the top legis- However, technology companies’ Janus Capital Group, which last to sell abroad has become a hot a brand also takes a long time,” nent focus. the CEO of leading Chinese technol- lature’s annual session that the country aggressive push into AI has raised eye- year agreed to a $6 billion all- topic at the ongoing annual ses- noted Zhang. Baidu Founder Li Yanhong, member ogy company Xiaomi, is set to submit will accelerate R&D on and commercial- brows among some NPC deputies. share merger, as well as Schrod- sions of the country’s top legisla- Chinese vehicle exports in Around the World of the 12th Chinese People’s Political a motion about AI development during ization of new emerging sectors such as Zong Qinghou, a NPC deputy and ers, which is currently Britain’s ture and political advisory body. 2016 stood at 708,000 units, Consultative Conference (CPPCC) na- the fifth session of the 12th NPC, which new materials and AI. chairman of China’s beverage giant biggest listed asset manager with China, the world’s largest auto down 2.7 percent year-on-year, ZTE expected to plead guilty in US over Iran sales tional committee, has put forward three started Sunday. The National Development and Re- Hangzhou Wahaha Group, expressed nearly 400 billion pounds in as- market, is also on its way to be- the China Association of Auto- Telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp is nearing an agreement to AI-related proposals during this year’s Lei, who said AI will be key to Xiao- form Commission has forecast that his concerns about the other side of the sets. coming a strong power in the mobile Manufacturers said in plead guilty to US criminal charges and pay hundreds of millions of ongoing two sessions. mi’s development strategy in 2017, was domestic AI applications will be worth technology. The two Scottish companies global auto industry. January. dollars in penalties over allegations that it violated US laws that restrict Li appealed to the top political advi- set to hold a press conference on Mon- hundreds of billions of yuan by 2018. “Technologies should not develop so said that they saw “significant “Strong power means we can The decline was larger for sale of US technology to Iran, a person familiar with the matter said. sory body for more support for AI appli- day to explain the proposal to the public. AI is widely regarded as a next tech- fast that they can replace entire sections synergy potential,” raising the build and sell premium cars, and some companies. Great Wall Mo- The company has not yet signed a deal with the US Department of cations. NPC deputy Ma Huateng has pro- nological revolution that can be the new of the labor force. If so, what can human prospect of job losses among at least 20 percent of our cars are tor Co, for instance, sold 17,379 Commerce, the US Department of Justice and the US Department of AI can be used to address child abduc- posed measures to build a technological engine for global economic growth. US beings do?” Zong said at a salon held by their nearly 10,000 workers. sold abroad,” An Jin, chairman units overseas, down 24.5 per- Treasury, cautioned the person, who declined to speak on the record tion issues and prevent traffic conges- base to rival Silicon Valley in the Guang- technology companies such as Google magazine China Entrepreneur on Friday “Further to the recent press of JAC Motor and a legislator at cent year-on-year. because the negotiations are not public. tion, according to the Chinese version dong-Hong Kong-Macao area. Inc and Microsoft are also in the race to in Beijing. speculation the boards of Stan- the National People’s Congress, In the same period, China Others noted that with a new US administration prompting chang- of Li’s non-binding proposal obtained by The development of advanced tech- lead the sector. Li admitted that some professions will dard Life and Aberdeen confirm was cited as saying in a report by sold 28.02 million units domes- es in personnel at government departments, a final deal may be de- the Global Times over the weekend. nologies such as AI is crucial to help “As the technology matures, those be indeed affected by AI. For instance, in that they are in discussions in news portal sohu.com on Sun- tically, increasing 13.7 percent layed or even scuttled. In addition, he asked the authorities enterprises maintain dominance in their who can first break new ground at the the era of driverless cars, full-time chauf- relation to a possible all-share day. from that of 2015. But ZTE is expected to plead guilty to conspiring to violate the Inter- to issue policies to push the integration markets, said Ma, CEO of Tencent Hold- application level will likely gain a [com- feurs may be shifted out of the market. merger of Standard Life and Ab- Domestic brands have grown “The slowdown in auto ex- national Emergency Economic Powers Act, among other charges, the of AI with other sectors such as transpor- ings. petitive] edge,” Li wrote in his proposal. Government authorities should prepare erdeen,” they said, confirming an rapidly at the expense of competi- ports was due to a slack global source said, and pay penalties in the hundreds of millions. tation and manufacturing. He also called “In the future, robotics may be com- This may explain why Baidu has for the arrival of AI, which may cause earlier Sky News report. tors in similar segments such as economy but also protectionist A ZTE spokesman declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the for further opening up and sharing of bined with AI, neurology, mechanical taken a more aggressive approach to AI. some professions to disappear, Li said. South Korean automakers. measures such as tariffs. These Justice and Treasury departments. A spokesman for the Department of Reuters In 2016, domestic automak- factors have disrupted domestic Commerce did not respond to requests for comment. ers sold a record 10.52 million producers’export plans. Domes- The Commerce Department investigation followed reports by Re- cars, breaching the 10 million tically manufactured cars also uters in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of mark for the first time. Sales have need to improve their images dollars worth of hardware and software from some of the best-known Makingheadlines grown each month since January over safety,” Feng Shiming, a car US technology companies to Iran’s largest telecoms carrier. 2015, according to the Sohu re- analyst at Menutor Consulting, An agreement would cap a year of uncertainty for the Chinese com- LOOKING FORWARD Index (PPI), which measures wholesale prices, for Febru- February on Monday. US nonfarm payrolls in February. port. told the Global Times Sunday. pany, which was placed on a list of entities in March 2016 that US Trade figures due from Customs ary. The reserves slipped to $2.998 trillion in January, down Nonfarm payrolls measure the change in the number Zhang Zhiyong, founder of Zhang said it’s a waste of time suppliers could not work without a license. ZTE acted contrary to US The General Administration of Customs will announce China’s CPI grew 2.5 percent year-on-year in January, $12.31 billion, or 0.4 percent, compared with December, of people employed during the previous month, excluding Wenfeng Auto, a mobile app, told and energy to devote too much national security or foreign policy interests, the Commerce Depart- China’s trade statistics for February on Wednesday. fractionally above market expectations of 2.4 percent, the statistics from the PBC showed on February 7. the farming industry. Job creation is the foremost indica- the Global Times on Sunday that attention to foreign markets. ment said at the time. China’s trade amounted to 2.18 trillion yuan ($316 bil- NBS noted on February 14. This was the first time that the reserves slipped below tor of consumer spending. in 2016, there was a tendency for “Domestic brands should One of the world’s biggest telecommunications gear makers and lion) in January, up 19.6 percent year-on-year. The pace quickened from the 2.1 percent rise in De- $3 trillion since February 2011. Nonfarm payrolls in the US increased 227,000 in domestic brands to refocus on focus on the home market, not the No.4 smart phone vendor in the US, ZTE sells handset devices to Exports surged 15.9 percent year-on-year to 1.27 trillion cember as the Lunar New Year holidays pushed up food, The State Administration of Foreign Exchange issued January. Over the past three months, US job gains have the Chinese market, rather than overseas markets, which feature US mobile carriers AT&T Inc, T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp. It yuan in January, while imports rose 25.2 percent year-on- transport and travel expenses, according to NBS senior a statement on February 7 saying that the major reason averaged 183,000 per month, statistics from briefing.com attaching great importance to high operating costs. China is relies on US companies including Qualcomm, Microsoft and Intel for year to 911 billion yuan. statistician Sheng Guoqing. for the decline was that the PBC had been providing the showed in February. overseas sales, as “they have been a relatively low-cost market, a components. However, exports and imports slumped 11.5 percent The NBS data also showed that the PPI rose 6.9 market with foreign currency to keep supply and demand The unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in January, winning at the domestic market.” market they know better and one The listing could have severely disrupted the company’s supply and 21.5 percent, respectively, compared with December. percent on a year-on-year basis in January, the highest in in balance. compared with 4.7 percent in December. “In the past year, we saw do- that’s more predictable and of- chain, but the Commerce Department granted ZTE a temporary li- more than five years. As of January, the country’s foreign currency reserves The nonfarm payrolls figures are an important factor mestic brands spend more time fers more potential,” Zhang said. cense so that US companies could continue to do business with it dur- China’s February inflation indicators had fallen for seven months in a row. for the US Federal Reserve to decide whether to raise and resources on developing ing the investigation. On Thursday, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is Foreign reserves for February interest rates. products and facilitating chan- Page Editor: scheduled to announce China’s Consumer Price Index The People’s Bank of China (PBC), China’s central bank, Employment data set for release in US nels for domestic buyers. There [email protected] Reuters (CPI), a major gauge of inflation, and the Producer Price will announce the country’s foreign currency reserves in The US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday will announce Global Times was no rush to expand overseas,” B6 Monday March 6, 2017 BIZCOMMENT China must address African rail project risk

countries usually require companies to unfeasible. But transport infrastructure Furthermore, diversified ways of Furthermore, diversified acquire land at their own cost, hire local projects are still a priority in Sino- financing need to be developed to offset workers and use raw materials pur- African cooperation. At the same time, risk and avoid passing debt risks onto ways of financing need to chased locally, which raises construc- some African countries have begun Chinese policy banks. Public-private be developed to offset risk tion costs and economic risks. worrying if US aid might shrink under partnerships can be adopted to allow and avoid passing debt China’s overseas high-speed railway President Donald Trump. This will Chinese firms, Chinese commercial projects are mostly financially backed make financial support from China to banks and the private sector from host risks onto Chinese policy by Chinese policy banks, with the bid Africa even more important. Therefore, countries to work together to develop banks. usually too low. Loans are offered with China could help Africa build more rail- a feasible operation model for project low interest rates and a long grace peri- ways such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti cooperation to spread the risks and to od and host countries are granted more Railway, which links the capital cities of clarify responsibility for financing, proj- By Song Wei flexible shares of ownership without Ethiopia and Djibouti and was launched ect supervision and assessment. For having to provide a lot of supporting last year, and promotes regional integra- host countries that have a solid source o country in the world has capital. This may result in prolonged tion. of revenue, such as Nigeria, we should ever built so many high-speed delays in repayment and negotiation To minimize risks, Chinese firms encourage them to co-finance the Nrailways in such a short period for debt restructuring and drag Chinese should focus on risk assessment. They projects. For resource-rich countries, of time and pushed for high-speed policy banks into bad loan traps. should not only make assessments commodity-backed loan agreements, rail diplomacy as China, which has Additionally, host countries may based on concrete conditions such as known as the Angola model, can be attracted worldwide attention. China’s struggle in making these projects self- land, environment, geology, resources adopted to allow them to convert their high-speed rail brands have also gained sustaining. Although the rail projects and technical specifications but also resource exports into stockholdings. We popularity. are largely financed by Chinese in- on factors such as geopolitics, can also encourage countries to issue The question is whether the coun- religious beliefs, customs, international bonds to attract the World try’s high-speed railway projects can pubic opinion Bank and regional development banks be launched in Africa. Undoubt- and cultural to co-finance their projects. edly, high-speed railways conflicts. Lessons should be learned from the can speed up connectivi- China-constructed Tanzania-Zambia ty and promote econom- Railway which has suffered losses due ic integration in Africa. to insufficient maintenance, opera- The projects would also tional problems and frequent occur- align with the African Union’s rence of accidents. The model which Agenda 2063 action plan. However, ensures seamless connection between the threshold for building high- construction and operation currently speed rails is high. It requires adopted for the Addis Ababa-Djibouti massive investment and a high Railway may provide guidance for occupancy rate. Given that future projects in order to avoid high-speed trains are driven operational risks and mainte- by electrical power and power nance problems. After the consumption shows stepped rails are put into opera- increases as speed picks up, there must tion, there should be a be a sufficient power supply. Addition- transitional period when Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT ally, the economy of the host countries the Chinese firms continue must be relatively developed. So far, no vestors, host countries need to manage to take charge of the operation African country can meet these condi- the operations and maintenance of the and management of the project tions. Chinese investors may face risks rails after the project is delivered. Given and help train local operational and in launching high-speed rail projects. that most African countries lack exper- Based on these assess- managerial personnel. This model Chinese firms may be unable to tise in rail maintenance and operation, ments, firms could work not only ensures operational safety and recoup their investment. Large wild there is a risk that the railways may in- out the technical proposal for railway will bring more economic benefits, but animals in Africa may disturb rail con- cur losses. Besides, since construction planning, prospecting, construction, will also promote technical transfer and struction. If the track is lifted above the is backed by Chinese banks, this may equipment, operation, maintenance allow the projects to be self-sustainable. ground, the construction cost will be increase countries’ reliance on China and financing. Meanwhile, Chinese pushed up as the supply of cement in and cause the debt ratio of these coun- partners need to provide detailed data The author is an associate researcher with Africa could not meet the demand and tries to rise beyond the warning line. on investment, cost, operation and the Chinese Academy of International Trade high quality cement would be required. Given the risks, the launch of high- passenger capacity to host countries to and Economic Cooperation. bizopinion@ For infrastructure projects, African speed rail projects in Africa is currently facilitate their decision-making. globaltimes.com.cn China needs to lower operational costs to attract foreign, domestic investment

By Hu Weijia less attractive destination for integrated into the bigger pic- manufacturing and mining sec- fore. Official data showed that foreign firms. According to the ture of the economy. In a bid to tors. Local authorities should foreign direct investment into All sectors open to foreign in- report, 80 percent of the com- reduce institutional transaction execute this change strictly. the Chinese mainland rose 4.1 vestors should be open to Chi- panies surveyed said they “feel costs, China needs to continue Li also said that China will percent year-on-year to reach nese domestic private capital, foreign companies are less to streamline its government encourage foreign firms to be 813.2 billion yuan ($126 billion) said a government work report welcome than in the past,” and functions. Lowering opera- listed and issue bonds in China last year, which created a lot of delivered by Premier Li Keq- 60 percent of responders have tional costs will be conductive and allow them to join national jobs for Chinese people. Li Keq- iang on Sunday. China used to “little or no confidence” that the to not only attracting foreign science and technology pro- iang said Sunday that China give more favorable treatment government will further open investment but also to boosting grams. Even though foreign aims to add 11 million urban to foreign enterprises than it up the domestic market in the the enthusiasm of Chinese pri- firms are less likely to receive jobs this year. There is no doubt did to domestic ones, but it next three years. vate firms. super-national treatment, the that an increase in foreign in- seems that the so-called super- A more effective way to re- Additionally, China needs Chinese government is ex- vestment will be conducive to national treatment has come to gain and enhance investor con- to promote further reforms of pected to continue to roll out this goal. an end. How will China main- fidence is reflecting on China’s State-owned enterprises to ex- measures to boost foreign in- tain its attractiveness for for- own problems to further im- pand market access for both vestment in the high-tech and The author is a reporter with eign investors in this context? It prove the investment environ- foreign and Chinese private green industries. the Global Times. bizopinion@ is worth thinking about. ment. However, it is no longer companies. Li Keqiang men- China is currently in a tran- globaltimes.com.cn The American Chamber of the time that China gives pri- tioned in the government work sitional period as its domestic Commerce in China released ority to foreign investors. In- report that China will further companies become more ma- Page Editor: wangwei03 a survey earlier this year say- stead measures toward foreign lift barriers to market access for ture, however, foreign invest- @globaltimes.com.cn ing that China had become a investment should be better foreign investors in the service, ment is still as important as be- Monday March 6, 2017 B7 BIZCOMMENT Excessive betrothal gifts need to be reined in

By Wan Zhe family, the marriage generally of social stratification has put means the loss of a labor force pressure on poor rural families he problem with caili which is financially offset by who are prone to regard caili as besieging rural families the bride price. In the case of a fate changer. Some well-off Tin China should be the groom, caili is a wealth families also hope to rule out construed not only socially indicator that measures his the possibility of marrying a but also in economic terms family’s social status. man from a poor family by de- for possible solutions to be With caili also considered manding sky-high caili. Fifth, a worked out. as an economic activity heavy reliance of young people Caili, or betrothal gifts, engaged in by the families in rural areas on their parents date back to the Western Zhou of both the bride and to affordcaili to payouts for life Dynasty (1046-771BC) as an the groom, it requires after marriage makes the issue indication of a marital bond. If understanding from more severe. the family of a bride accepted an economic point That said, the issue of caili the gift from the bridegroom’s of view. Economic activi- is intimately correlated to the family, it indicated an engage- ties can’t be fully reasonable rapid rise of the economy and ment to be married. The cen- and while it’s necessary that the vicissitudes of the society. It turies-old tradition was initially economic activities fall under needs to be addressed in terms put in place to maintain social the purview of laws and of sociology, ethics, economics order but gradually became regulations, it shouldn’t be and jurisprudence. legally binding. expected that all activities Some of the factors There were already detailed are legally regulated. contributing to the problem rules for betrothal gifts in Along with the econo- derive from a natural drive the Tang Dynasty (618-907), my’s fast growth, the caili to compare oneself to others. which considered a bride price issue has grown rapidly. A This should be guided toward as a prerequisite for marriage survey by China’s State broad- less competition by publicly and that once it was accepted, caster showed in 2016 that toning down caili and enacting however small the amount, caili given by the average rural tougher regulations against it was civilly and criminally family topped 100,000 yuan caili-related disputes instead of binding. Until the Republic ($14,502), decidedly a large stern rebukes or arbitrary bans. of China (1912-49), the law fortune for rural households. Factors such as the gender stipulated that an engagement Multiple factors have led to imbalance and the overreli- or marriage would be legally this problem, mostly seen in ance on parents require greater acknowledged only after a China’s rural areas. First, the government efforts. It is likely certificate for marriage was country’s reform and opening- that some abnormalities could signed or caili was accepted. up has turned surplus rural la- result in even worse outcomes. Betrothal gifts and bride bor into surplus value and has Imbalanced economic growth, prices were denounced as a widened the gap between the wider rich-poor gap and per- type of marriage transaction, rich and poor. Wealthy rural sistence of social stratification per marriage rules unveiled families took the lead in rais- could trigger unease among in 1941 by the Jin-Cha-Ji ing the amount of caili, which people and possibly cause Border Region Administrative has inevitably driven others aspects of society to wobble Committee. Marriage rules to follow. Second, changes in further. This would perhaps and regulations released after rural livelihoods have made be a test for the country’s gov- the founding of the People’s moral rules and principles ernance capacity in a new era, Republic of China in 1949 less binding. Moral rules used which necessitates efforts to also prohibited betrothal gifts to keep a tight rein on rural facilitate social mobility. before caili reappeared in the communities when agriculture Only once the causes country’s legal framework in was relied on as a means of behind the betrothal gifts are the form of judicial interpre- living, however, increasing identified can the deep-seated tation in 2003. The tradi- labor mobility is breaking this issue be addressed. tion has not died but down. Third, there are over has become increas- 30 million more men than The author is chief economist ingly monetized. women of marriageable age with the International Cooperation It needs to be pointed in the country, which lays the Center of the National out that the long-lasting groundwork for the bride’s Development and Reform practice makes sense in eco- family to ask for a higher Commission. bizopinion@ nomic terms. For the bride’s Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT price. Fourth, the persistence globaltimes.com.cn Market delivers crazy love letter to China’s FedEx driven by e-commerce hype

Stock-market investors have sent a love boss Jack Ma as China’s second-richest blame. A lack of flotations in Shanghai The craze may be starting to fade, letter to China’s FedEx. A rally in the man with a $29 billion fortune, accord- and Shenzhen means reverse listings however. Caixin says regulators are look- newly listed firm behind SF Express ing to Forbes. will typically lure lots of retail investors. ing at the rapid ascent. And as of early makes boss Wang Wei one of China’s SF Express, which focuses on busi- Many punters focus on concepts more afternoon on Thursday, SF shares had richest men. At roughly $40 billion, his ness-to-business deliveries, has emerged than valuation – and the delivery sector dipped, making Wang merely China’s company is now worth nearly as much as a leader in China’s fast-growing logis- looks like an attractive bet on China’s third-richest man. The country’s fickle as Deutsche Post. That looks like an tics sector. But the figures are still hard new economy. investors can blow hot and cold. overreaction, driven by hype over e-com- to justify. At Wednesday’s closing price SF Holding’s small free float makes merce and a shortage of tradable shares. of 70 yuan ($10.19) the stock is worth matters worse. Last year, it agreed to a The authors are Robyn Mak and Kathy Few foreigners will have heard of 53 times this year’s earnings, according reverse merger with a little-known met- Gao, Reuters Breakingviews columnists. Wang or his delivery group. But shares to Sinolink forecasts. Even allowing for als company to gain a backdoor listing. The article was first published on Reuters in SF Holding have shot up more than considerably greater growth potential, The deal means most SF shares are un- Breakingviews. bizopinion@globaltimes. 70 percent since it finalized a reverse that is a huge premium over US peers der a three-year lockup and other restric- com.cn listing in Shenzhen in late February, FedEx and United Parcel Service, which tions. Eikon categorizes just 3 percent of making it the most valuable company on both trade at less than 20 times forward its total shares as “negotiable,” suggest- Page Editor: China’s second bourse. On Wednesday, earnings. ing the rest cannot be easily bought and [email protected] the 46-year-old briefly overtook Alibaba China’s wonky markets deserve some sold. B8 Monday March 6, 2017 BIZINSIGHT

were developed in the US and Assessing China’s rapidly changing consumers and how businesses are coping later rolled out in China. Given in the face of the increasing activism of communities and consumers were the the size of China and the quicker central topics of a Global Times-organized roundtable on Wednesday. The event has brought together senior executives from a full range of businesses, including uptake of its residents, we shall agriculture, food and beverage, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, entertainment, at energy firm Engie China. increasingly see [more] new products financial, banking and luxury goods. They made for a lively exchange of views on Increasingly consumers and com- launched in China first, before the the trends shaping China’s transformation to a consumption-based economy. munities want more renewable and US and other developed markets, for North Head is strategic counselor of the roundtable. low-carbon forms of energy, and they many emerging technologies such as also prefer more environmentally artificial intelligence and virtual real- friendly vehicles, she said. ity,” he noted. ith the rise of the middle of LVMH who is in charge of the Such changing consumption expec- Considering the trend, social media class and the millen- Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong tations and growing young popula- has become an increasingly important Wnial generation in China, Kong and Macao. Government is play- tions at home will initiate opportuni- channel for businesses to communi- domestic consumers are evolving ing a lesser role in promoting con- ties for emerging industries such as cate directly with Chinese consumers, and showing changing interests and sumption, while consumer behavior is electric vehicles, experts said. company representatives said. concerns, executives and experts said now the driver. Other “new phenomena,” such as on Wednesday at a roundtable discus- Wu noted that the average age of the recent emergence of elderly care Consequences sion on China’s changing consumers. Chinese high-end industry consumers facilities, are shaping China’s con- But Jonathan Dong, a vice presi- The event was organized by the Global is generally lower than their overseas sumption model, Kuhn noted. dent of Nestle China, pointed out that Times in Beijing. counterparts, and “it is extraordinary “China’s aging population is there have been consequences of the There are some interesting factors to see the young generation’s desire to expanding and so is the middle class networked economy. “We deal with to see the change in behavior among upgrade their consumption.” demand for caring for their parents,” consumers on a daily basis, and we Chinese consumers, such as shifting Besides, “the middle class, espe- the CCIEE’s Zhang said, noting that find out that even though the millen- geographies, interests and concerns cially people in their 30s to 50s, looks this will be a huge market, as China nial generation look at smartphones such as for healthcare and pollution, to experience different cultures and currently lacks abundant professional every day, their trust in the content and technology and its effects, such lifestyles,” according to John Liu, man- nursing institutions for the aged. they watch on social media is decreas- as brick-and-mortar stores moving aging director of portfolio company Zhang also highlighted the governing,” Dong said at the roundtable. online, or the “networked economy”, China Equity. ment’s priority to ensure that rural He also compared China’s public Robert Kuhn, chairman of Kuhn foun- The country’s increasing number of areas do not get locked out of the opinion environment to a typical Chi- dation, said at the roundtable. outbound travelers as well as soaring benefits of rising consumption and nese restaurant – colorful, with a lot of One of the major changes in the per capita overseas expenditures in re- the provision of new products and choices, but noisy. “You must yell to be country’s demographics is the rise of cent years are evidence of the growing services, particularly health and elderly heard in the restaurant, which makes the middle class and a burgeoning appetite for experiential and lifestyle care. you very tired at the end of day,” Dong millennial generation. China’s middle products and services, he said. noted. “And in a similar vein, consum- class families, or those with annual in- In 2016, Chinese people made 122 Tech triumphs ers tend to get tired, and that’s why comes from 80,000 yuan ($11,602.11) million overseas trips, up 4.3 percent The evolving consumption pat- they are losing trust in social media.” to 200,000 yuan, now represent 23 year-on-year, according to the website terns come as China’s e-commerce All these changes raise the question percent of the total population, said of the China National Tourism Admin- and cross-border online shopping of market supervision, said John Rus- Zhang Yongjun, from the China istration. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists sectors like Alibaba are enjoying sell, the managing director of consult- Center for International Economics spent 4,000 euros ($4,249.44) on explosive growth, several company ing firm North Head. Exchange (CCIEE), a think tank. average during their trips to Paris in executives said. In 2016, China’s “The government may be stepping The demographic is “forecasted 2016, up from an average of less than e-commerce market maintained a back from directly driving consump- to expand by 2 percent each year, 1,000 euros in 2008, Liu said. robust growth and stood at 20 trillion tion, but it is empowering the con- with its proportion relative to China’s “Chinese students now account yuan, according to domestic news sumer to play a bigger role in market total population soon to be nearly 40 for 55 percent of the foreign students portal sohu.com. supervision,” he said. percent.” at universities in Switzerland who “Compared with their counterparts Over recent years legislation related The demographic shift and dra- pursue bachelor or master degrees in in Europe and Japan, China’s young to consumer protections, food and matic wealth creation have pushed majors related to services industries, generations are adapting to new product safety, advertising and envi- the pace of change for the country’s such as hotel management,” Liu said. technologies so fast, much faster than ronmental standards have expanded consumption to accelerate and created even in Europe and North America,” channels for consumer complaints a new consumption structure, several Changing values an entertainment industry CEO who and community engagement. company representatives said at the Another difference is the chang- preferred not to be identified, said at roundtable. ing perspective of China’s younger the roundtable. Global Times China’s young people have been a generation. They not only care about As a result, the trend is changing powerhouse for luxury spending, not the products, but have also started to the pattern of how new products are Page Editor: only in China but around the world, look at their impact on environment, launched and distributed, he said. [email protected] said Andrew Wu, the group president Boquet Ying Zhang, the vice president “Traditionally new technologies  Customer, community activism at work in ‘networked economy’ China’s changing consumers

Company executives and experts talk about China’s changing consumers at a roundtable organized by the Global Times on Wednesday. Photo: GT