Editorial: Rationally Face Olympic Politics
Cover
It was inevitable for the Beijing Olympics to become politicized, but over-reacting and coming up with counter-measures to "safeguard" the Games will only further exacerbate the matter, the EO editorial argues. Only by persistently opening themselves to communication can Chinese see and hear the truth, tell right from wrong, and clear up misunderstandings and conflicts. Our editorial warns against any exaggeration of a nation under siege, and reminds the public to be wary of ultra-nationalism or expressions akin to cultural revolution-style slogans, such as "we support anything the enemies are against, and oppose anything they are for".
Original article: [Chinese]

Big Oil Calls Out for Lifelines
Cover
Sinopec and PetroChina are awaiting policymakers' responses on applications for either permission to raise prices on their oil products or tax cuts on the crude oil they import. Both are gearing up to release their quarterly financial reports by the end of the month. The call comes as price-fixing in the oil industry has led to shortages and heavy losses for oil refineries.
Original article: [Chinese]

Poverty Line Redrawn to Yearly Salary of 1,300 Yuan
Cover
One day in the near future, 40 million Chinese may wake up to discover that they are now officially a part of China's poor. A draft law is now in the works that will raise the poverty line and bring into consideration things like health insurance and education level. In 2007, the income threshold was 1,067 yuan. Since reform and opening up began in the late 1970's, 200 million Chinese have been lifted out of poverty.
Original article: [Chinese]

SOE Shareholder Reform out in May
News, page 3
A new law will make it illegal for managers at state-owned enterprises to invest in subsidiaries of their firm. Aiming to prevent conflicts of interest from draining assets out of the public domain into subsidiaries invested by these managers, the law is the most comprehensive of its kind ever drafted by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.
Original article: [Chinese]

Heilongjiang Rice Report
News, page 4
Li Ping reports from Heilongjiang on how rice farmers are finding it impossible to unload their harvests at reasonable prices. With the door to exporting rice still closed by regulators over fears of food shortages, these farmers are losing the opportunities to cash in on international prices that value their harvests at nearly triple what they are being offered domestically.
Original article: [Chinese]

New Law to Standardize Foreign Rep Offices
News, page 5
A State Council meeting in early April entertained expert opinions on how best to standardize the registration process for foreign firms working in China. The State Council's legislative office, along with the Industrial and Commercial Policy office, are currently drafting a law on the matter, which they are looking to complete by the end of the year.
Original article: [Chinese]

The Success of a Party Outsider
Nation, page 9
On March 16, independent candidates for high-level positions in Nanjing local government introduced themselves and answered questions in a live televised broadcast. Through this process – which is a first for Nanjing - a Communist party outsider succeeded in being appointed the city's drug supervision director.
Original article: [Chinese]

Hard Life of a Green NGO
Nation, page 12
Once an oasis, now a desert, the ecological plight of Minqin county in China's western Gansu province has stirred locals environmental activists to found a non-government organization named Green Camel Bell. Since the being founded, it has faced an uphill battle in everyday operation against the media, local government and investors.
Original article: [Chinese] 

Migrants Dropping their Benefits
News, page 14
Migrant workers in Shenzhen have lined up to opt out of a social security system. According to law, they must contribute to the system for at least 15 years before they can qualify to redeem benefits. But in practice, many migrant workers frequently change jobs and salaries, complicating the amount and status of their safety net.
Original article: [Chinese]