Shanghai Auto Show a giant leap forward

Shanghai has recently been the center of focus for auto fans the world over, thanks to two major events - the Formula One Shanghai Grand Prix and the Biennial Shanghai Auto Show.

The latter, however, better reflects the true picture of the Chinese auto market and the development of domestic vehicle manufacturers.

Almost all famous auto brands continue to display their latest models with advanced technologies and striking designs, with most of them adjusting the cars' characteristics to suit China's driving habits and preferences.

The mainland's auto market is the largest in the world after the United States, and despite the global economic crisis, cars continue to be driven out of showrooms and on to the roads.

It's no wonder then the Shanghai Auto Show has met with resounding success.

The show displays the progress of local automakers, with dynamic designs and quality.

Some domestic manufactures have launched cheap but top-quality sedan prototypes at the show, and seem much more competitive than a number of international brands.

Another trend at this week's auto show here is the emphasis on environmental protection. Automakers have introduced several new concept cars, which are equipped with more efficient diesel-powered engines or run on electricity or other renewable fuels.

Tony

Via e-mail

Teachers, leave those kids alone

Although spitting is a kind of natural biological behavior - normal and tolerable - doing it in public is regarded as uncivil, offensive, even potentially dangerous.

The same is also true for "ideological spitting" which the author of the recently published "China is Unhappy" talks about in his book.

However, the really interesting thing is that the book has been reprinted and the opinions in the book are being widely discussed, even after critics slammed it. This phenomenon itself is a proof of the kind of freedom of speech that exists in China today.

The world today consists of nation states. Nothing is more natural than talking about nationalism.

However, with the gigantic goal to reform the existing political and economic system of the real world, the author's behavior is just like blackmailing those they call "well-established elites" in China, aiming to acquire more solid ground to make their "movement" prevailing.

It only reminds me of the daydream in the Pink Floyd song, "Teacher, leave the kids alone."

Nobody can ask you to love this or that. You just follow your heart, and this is more of an obligation if you want to be true to yourself.

The success of every great endeavor depends on some preliminary conditions, and to have a strong passion is maybe the most important one. But if you don't control your hatred, you'll inevitably make big mistakes and lose control of your actions.

It is admitted that there are still many unfair rules poisoning the relations between states, but some Chinese should have an open mind on this issue. It will take a long time and demand cool heads, but it will eventually benefit China's development.

Claudio

Via e-mail

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(China Daily 04/23/2009 page9)