WRONGED SCIENTIST

Chinese-born American scientist Xi Xiaoxing was cleared of U.S. charges that he shared sensitive technology with China on September 11. Xi， a professor of physics with Temple University in Philadelphia， was arrested in May by Federal Bureau of Investigations agents following allegations that he had sent schematics for a device called “pocket heater，” which is used in semiconductor research， to scientists in China.

It was later found that the diagram was for a different innocuous device. “I dont expect them to understand everything I do，” Xi told The New York Times. “But the fact that they dont consult with experts and then charge me？ ？ They shouldnt do this. This is not a joke.”

Xi， 57， is a world-renowned physicist specializing in superconductor research. He obtained his PhD in physics from Peking University in Beijing in 1987 and went to the United States two years later. He taught at Pennsylvania State University before joining Temple University in 2009.

Better and Cheaper Telecom Services

Peoples Daily September 11

State-owned telecom giant China Mobile plans to adopt a tiered data pricing plan， according to recent reports. Under the new plan， the more data users consume， the less they will be charged. The new plan will be implemented on a trial basis in seven provinces and municipalities， including Beijing， in September. If the trials are successful， the pricing strategy will be rolled out nationwide.

The new pricing system has drawn skepticism from customers who believe that it will lower the monthly bills of frequent Internet surfers only. China Mobile has also faced recent criticism for another new measure aimed at lowering charges. The company has announced an 80-percent cut of international data roaming charges. However， it has failed to significantly reduce domestic data fees， fueling concern over its sincerity toward lowering costs.

Thanks to the proliferation of smart phones， the main function of cell phones has shifted from making phone calls to using the Internet. Against this backdrop， the telecom industry should focus on improving Internet speed and reducing charges. Telecom operators have a monopoly on the industry and keep customers in the dark about how prices are set. The operators therefore lack the motivation to improve their services and reduce prices. In order to break this impasse， the capital threshold required to enter the industry should be lowered to create sufficient competition.

Fostering China-EU Cultural Harmony

Oriental Outlook September 17

Two months ago， when the Shakespearean play Richard III was performed in Chinese by Chinese actors in London in a Peking Opera adaptation， the British audience seemed comfortable with the performance. A few days before the London performance， the British play War Horse was performed in Chinese in Beijing. The Chinese audience was amazed by the dazzling stage effects and creative plots.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his visit to Europe last year that its not the mountains and rivers that separate people but the barriers erected by differing perceptions. Interest in and respect for other cultures can help break down these barriers.

European countries boast a long history and splendid cultures. A craze for China emerged in Europe 300 years ago. Likewise， Chinese translator Yan Fu （1854-1921） translated British naturalist Thomas Huxleys Evolution and Ethics 120 years ago.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. The two sides are making use of the opportunity to learn more about the others culture， including holding talks on people-to-people exchang-es in the EU headquarters in Brussels and Britain in mid-September.

China and Britain will also have a dialogue on medical policies， as both are currently reforming their healthcare systems. About 5，000 Chinese football coaches will go to Britain over the next three years to study coaching. Cultural exchanges between China and EU members are expected to bear fruitful results.

Oath Taking in Court

The Beijing News September 11

In foreign crime movies， witnesses are often seen taking an oath before the court with their hands on a Bible or another sacred book， depending on their religion. This same scene recently unfolded in a court in Shuyang， a city in east Chinas Jiangsu Province.

The practice of swearing an oath in court has a long history. In China， oaths were taken during political and military activities in ancient times. Although the practice plays an important role in the legal systems of many countries， it failed to be passed on and further developed in China. As a result， the practice has no guidelines under current Chinese laws.

Eyewitness testimony can provide crucial evidence during a trial and the oath taking practice is in place， in part， to ensure its credibility. Chinese laws require eyewitnesses to sign a letter of guarantee before appearing in court. However， the letter fails to create an oaths solemn atmosphere and is less effective at preventing false evidence from being presented.

Some courts in China have implemented the oath-taking procedure as part of their efforts to enhance the credibility of the court ruling process. However， relevant laws should be put in place to standardize and legalize this practice.

AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR

Film director Song Pengfeis debut feature Underground Fragrance was awarded by the Federation of Film Critics of Europe and the Mediterranean （FEDEORA） at the Venice International Film Festival， which ran from September 2 to 12. FEDEORA named it Best Film in the Venice Days， an independent section at the festival， describing it as a “sensitive and intelligent film” that reveals the underbelly of modern Chinese society.

The film tells the story of three people struggling to realize their dreams in Beijing. In the film， Song pays particular attention to younger generations that he believes need to be encouraged to pursue their dreams with concrete dedication and commitment.

Song， who has studied film direction at the Institut International de lImage et du Son in France， told Xinhua News Agency that he sees the award as praise for his realistic viewpoint of society. “I will continue to focus on the common person and get inspiration from the lives of those around me，” he said.

“Cybersecurity should be an area of cooperation rather than a source of friction. Some U.S. personnel should stop their groundless accusations against China.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei， on September 11 in response to U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clappers remarks that Chinese cyber espionage continues to target U.S. interests

“Chinese society is getting older， so a large number of elderly tourists have flooded the market， and they demand age-appropriate services.”

Zhang Guangrui， honorary Director of the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences， on September 14 in response to proposed industry guidelines that will require travel products to accommodate senior travelers needs

“It is very encouraging to note that China is developing new technologies with an emphasis on safety features.”

Yukiya Amano， Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency， speaking to journalists following a meeting with a Chinese delegation in Vienna on September 14

“Only through constant introspection can officials truly improve themselves. Only through adequate supervision can the required pressure be maintained to sustain sobriety in officials.”

Xie Chuntao， a professor at the School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China， in response to President Xi Jinpings call for civil servants to improve and discipline themselves during a study session on September 11