NEW SOCIALIST COUNTRYSIDE—WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Wen Jiabao (Premier of the State Council): The issues concerning agriculture, rural areas and farmers are fundamental ones that have a bearing on the overall modernization drive. Building a new socialist countryside refers to putting agriculture and rural initiatives more prominently on the agenda of China's modernization drive.     

MUSE, WHY ARE YOU SILENT NOW?--A Speech on "Poetry and Humanity"

Muse, why, why are you silent now? On the Aegean Sea, you sang of heroes and beauties, of the Troy War In the ancient Orient, you sang "Guanju"--an earliest love song* You grieved and wept for the sufferings of humanity You cried out and fought for his survival and libertyIn the snow-covered field outside Petersburg, you raised a pistol in a duel but fell under the muzzle of tyranny** Among the billows of the Atlantic Ocean, you broke the iron chains of a slaves boat*** You are Les Fleurs du Mal blossoming in Paris; you are the cat-like fog floating in Chicago****     

WHERE IS THE SCO HEADING?——The Shanghai Cooperation Organization should clearly define its political characteristics and functions

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC), made up of six member countries, is reinventing itself and banding together to deal with the region's security and economic development. Operating under the "Shanghai Spirit"-the essence of state-to-state relations where trust and equality are key to members looking out for each other-questions need to be asked and answered at the organization's fifth anniversary. Despite the best intentions, a clear road map is needed to clarify the SCO's future.