High-Speed Railways

World Knowledge
December 1

China's high-speed railways have jumped to be a rising star in the global sector. Also, it is leading the export of China's high-end products. Up to October, China ranked No. 1 in the world with a total mileage of 13,000 km high-speed railways.

The development of high-speed railways in China has gone through twists and turns. For instance, the collision of two high-speed trains in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on July 23, 2011, threw the industry off track.

Indeed, the export of China's high-speed railways, which has the world's fastest construction, biggest network, highest speed and best integration abilities, will produce active effects in the international community.

Fortunately, high-speed railways have returned to public attention now. In October, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang recommended China's high-speed railway technologies to Thai Premier Yingluck Shinawatra and Australia's Governor General Quentin Bryce respectively during their respective meetings. Li told them that China's high-speed railways are safe, reliable, and displays advanced technologies and rich experience, and point to cooperation potential in railway construction between China and both countries.

This revealed the leaders' strategic intention of rebuilding the international image of China's high-speed railways, as part of efforts to enhance an open economy in an all-round way.

Faced with a new international environment, China needs to consider how to give full play to the advantage of high-speed railways; how to turn from a big country to a strong country; and how to enable the world people to share the rewards of its development.

Civil Servant Exam

Global Times
November 25

China's annual national civil servant recruitment exam was held recently. It was reported that nearly 1.12 million people attended and that the employment ratio was 57:1, which means cutthroat competition. Alongside this, public criticism against graduates' overheated pursuit of civil servant posts have surged.

Everyone has the right to choose his or her career path. If a graduate is really suitable for the job of a civil servant, then his or her choice is beyond reproach. However, the truth is that the chase has gone far beyond personal choice, revealing value orientation issues.

In the 1980s and 90s, many civil servants aspired to give up their jobs and start businesses as a means of realizing the value of their lives. At that time, graduates were unwilling to be civil servants. They chose to work in companies or start businesses by themselves. This proves that more than a decade ago, the majority of people thought they could access better lives by choosing careers other than that of civil servants.

Ironically, the current situation is just the opposite. Graduates generally think civil servants are well paid and enjoy good guarantees. Compared to civil servants, the cost of starting a business is becoming increasingly higher and holds bigger risks.

Therefore, it is essential for the government to release policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as lower relevant costs. In other words, it should provide sound development opportunities to graduates.

Official Vehicle System

Beijing Youth Daily
November 26

China's Central Government recently issued an ordinance, canceling the use of general official vehicles. General official vehicles refer to cars excluding those used for the work of ministerial and higher-level officials and those for law enforcement and other special duties.

For a long time, the excessive number of official vehicles was a major reason for high administrative costs and corruption. However, efforts in fighting corruption in this respect were never effective. The new rule is significant. Canceling the use of general official vehicles, corruption in this regard will be eliminated. In future, transportation for official business purposes will be left to the market.

Canceling general official vehicles will be the biggest achievement in China's official vehicle reform. Surely, this reform may face objection, but should not be a reason for withdrawal. Only a effective implementation of this new rule can get the government out of the trap of official vehicle management, and further realize the goal of building a clean and honest state.

Trans-Genetic Food?

Oriental Outlook
November 28

Despite trans-genetic food supporters having a strong impact in scientific circles, people are increasingly after non-trans-genetic sources at supermarkets.

An online investigation showed that more than 90 percent of Chinese think trans-genetic food is not safe and object to commercial cultivation of such crops in the country.

Since trans-genetic technology aims to benefit human beings, why does it suffer such objection?

A major reason is that in the past, scientists working on trans-genetic food only focused on technological success, neglecting food safety standards and public opinion. China's development of trans-genetic products currently lags far behind that of developed countries.

Apart from reliance on authoritative opinion, it is essential to remove suspicion. New initiatives always create doubt. The government and media have done little to promote popular science and address public concern. Instead, the media have even spread unscientific rumors. It is high time for scientists answered public questions.