英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable - 香港街头小便事件是否小题大做？

Topic1 NDRC lifts requirements for licensing of production & sale of saltChina's top economic planner has revoked administrative rules for the licensing of exclusive rights to produce and sell salt. Subsequent interpretations of the annulment indicate the central government finally releases its ironclad control on the salt market and therefore allowing social capital to enter the market.

However, in the most recent statement, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) clarifies that it merely says the central government is giving more powers to the regional governments, but the 2000-year-old system of holding exclusive rights to produce and sale salt is not to be abolished.

What is this annulment about?

Topic2 Hong Kong Mainland In Dispute on Toddleer Peeing IncidentA viral video of a Chinese mainland mother defending her toddler for urinating on a Hong Kong street has reignited debate between mainlanders and Hong Kongers. It becomes a flash point in already tense cross-border relations.

The online uproar started when Phoenix TV posted a 5 minute lone video on its weibo. Let's have a listen. (clip)What exactly happened?

Topic3 Driving License Points TraffickingChina has stepped up punishment on trafficviolations. Running a red light will cost drivers 6 points, covering license plate costs 12 points, speeding costs 6-12 points, checking mobile phones while driving costs 2 points….And every driver only has 12 points to lose every year. Once a driver lost all his points, he will have to take a 7-day training and pass a driving test to regain his driving license.

In order to avoid the training and examination, some drivers seek help from illegal driving license point traffickers.

How does the trafficking go?

Topic4 Wedding Entry FeeIn China, a decent hotel is probably the most commonly seen venue for weddings. However, wedding planners are now complaining about a Beijing hotel of charging an entry fee.

What exactly is the complaint?

Topic5 Top ten complaints of Chinese menAs the saying goes, being a man is hard, and being a woman is much harder. But in today's China, being a man is really hard. This is according to men, of course. Some even say they would rather be a woman in their next life, or live in an Islamic country, or Africa.

What's your personal feeling about such complaints? Would you trade your life as a man?