Interesting Articles

There are many interesting articles in the April issue of China Today, among which I would particularly like to mention of "The Unequal Law of Feudal Times", and "Honest and Upright Official Respected by the People".

I have investigated the former topic in the Chinese History column of the yahoogroup, and it seems that China and Europe have different legal systems. In Europe, the compulsory law code is dominant, while China is dominated by the persuasive code. The Chinese criminal law of today has something in common with that of the Ming Dynasty. In the past, apart from the legal system established by the government, a moral standard was established on the foundation of reliable citizens. However, corruption was rampant among government officials. As China never adopted the Japanese constitutional monarchy system, so there was little chance for democratic reform to be put into practice.

The article entitled "Honest and Upright Official Respected by the People" gave me a better understanding of Bao Zheng. I formerly knew nothing about him, other than his name and that he enjoyed the acclaim of the people.

JOSEF THEOBALD
Germany

More Contents

I like the articles on Chinese culture and civilization, both ancient and modern, in your magazine, and the accompanying pictures, as I appreciate the chance to learn more about Chinese civilization. I always enjoy reading China Today.

I suggest that you open columns on Chinese grammar and Chinese-Arabic translation, including notes on pronunciation and intonation.

Apart from articles on ancient Chinese fables, those on film and opera should also be extended, and accompanied by a timetable of Chinese culture channels.

I hope that your designers might be able to work from the angle of Chinese art in improving the layout.

As regards distribution, it should not be confined to the present level. An increased circulation could be achieved through advertising China Today in Egyptian periodicals, thus giving more people the chance to know about your magazine. I happened to find out about China Today by chance, on a bus, when I saw a young person reading it. I borrowed the magazine and browsed through it, and found both the contents and design to be pretty good. Since then, I have read every issue from cover to cover.

I also suggest you open a Chinese Trade column, introducing the products of various Chinese companies, as well as their overseas agents, as this could facilitate trade between Egypt and China. In addition, I suggest that, from time to time, you stage activities such as Chinese science and culture knowledge contests.

MUHAMED AHMED GAMIL
Egypt

Suggestions

My overall impression of your magazine is that the layout is a bit cliched and old fashioned, and I suggest you make it more lively.

The list of contents, for example, could be simplified to just one page.

Apart from some focus reports, the articles should not be overlong, and short sentences are best.

To capture the interest of readers, it is best to frame and color the main articles, as well as adding briefs.

Add some cartoons for the enjoyment of foreign readers.

It is better to accompany articles with color photos (black-and-white photos are too serious), and I suggest your magazine be printed in full color.

Please add some articles on culture, art, tourism, cooking, and people's lives, and expand the scope.

Increase the information content, and publish more short articles about Chinese aid to French speaking countries in Africa, such as major projects and various donations.

Introduce one Chinese region or kind of art per month to form a series.

Make appropriate reports on Chinese teaching throughout the world, especially in Africa.

Report on preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Culture Department
Chinese Embassy
Congo