Key words: China's new stealth fighter a necessary step ; New regulation to ensure transparent police work

China's new stealth fighter a necessary step 

China's fifth generation stealth fighter completed its maiden flight on October 31, according to a report of huanqiu.com.

The J-31 class fighter took off at 10:32 am on Wednesday and landed 11 minutes later at Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) airfield in Liaoning Province, a witness told the Global Times.

As China becomes the second country after America to simultaneously develop two fifth-generation fighters, Chinese media commented that developing sophisticated weapons is a necessary step in becoming a world power.

Global Times commented that China must not lose sight of the fact that the recent success of its aircraft industry owes itself to a steady stream in heavy investment.

"Hopefully this breakthrough in sophisticated weaponry will lead to further development of our defense sector," said the paper.

 "China should simultaneously develop its military, soft power and economic strength, because sophisticated weapons alone do not make a super power."

The paper continued to say that although China has already walked into the eye of an international political storm and there is no going back, there is hope for a peaceful resolution.

"Whenever we have one more advanced weapon, we will be more self-confident to peacefully address international disputes. Superpowers get respect from other countries without flexing their military muscle, but China still has a long way to go. "

New regulation to ensure transparent police work

The Ministry of Public Security recently unveiled a new regulation that aims to encourage greater transparency among law enforcement agencies to take effect on January 1, 2013.

Although Chinese media has expressed praise for the 36-item regulation, some outlets point out flaws and offered suggestions to better its effectiveness.

The Oriental Morning Post in its article "We have everything to gain and nothing to lose" highlights what it considers three achievements of the regulation, particularly providing information to victims of crimes regarding investigations and pertinent information of high-profile cases to the public.

"As public security agencies often focus their energy on fighting crime rather the questions and needs of victims, the regulation ensures related parties have access to relative information to better safeguard their rights and interests."

The regulation also guarantees the public be privy to information involving investigations of high-profile cases, which the paper argues will benefit police work and improve government credibility.

However, the paper criticized the regulation for not specifying any consequences for law enforcement agencies that do not comply, nor does it specify what, when and how information should be released.

The Southern Metropolis Daily commented the regulation echoes the "Disclosure of Government Information Regulation" released in May 2008, a hint that law enforcement needs further guidance on the issue.

"Relevant departments are realizing that even more regulations are required to make government transparent," said the paper. "Case information relevant to the public interest and social stability has to be published in a timely manner."

The new regulation does not only protect citizens' rights, but also reminds public security agencies that their first priority is to serve the people, reported the Southern Metropolis Daily.

The Beijing Times reports that accountability should be at the cornerstone of law enforcement.

When law enforcement is shrouded in mystery, it not only undermines the credibility and authority of police, but also fuels skepticism, criticism and distrust among the public.

The key to building public trust lies in establishing a more transparent, accountable system of law enforcement, the Beijing Times reported.