Chinese navy's just mission

Comment on "Chinese naval fleet sets sail to fight pirates" (China Daily, Dec 27)

The recent decision to send warships from the Chinese navy to patrol far-away waters, near Somalia, should be warmly welcomed by the international community, and especially by the United Nations.

Such a welcome would represent active support of the international shipping community which is authorized by UN Security Council resolutions to combat the menace posed by those pirates.

As Chinese vessels have been attacked in those seas, the Chinese navy has every right - and, indeed, also the obligation - to deploy its fleet there as part of the international efforts to stamp out the scourge of modern-day piracy.

Paul Surtees in Hong Kong

via e-mail

I think it's a right action of the Chinese navy. It's a move to show China's willingness to shoulder more international responsibilities.

Sdfds

on China Daily website

Wisdom of the East

Comment on Ashis Chakrabarti's column "The Buddha's latest journey to China" (China Daily, Dec 26)

This article shows the wisdom of the two great cultural traditions of the East, namely, the establishment of harmony and prosperity of societies through the "middle path".

We hope these two traditions can do more to contribute to global ethics and values.

Hopeful

on China Daily website

News should reflect truth

Comment on "Parody is a norm of life, accept it" (China Daily, Dec 27)

A lot of media outlets today like to focus on natural disasters, crises and conflicts, which touch the lives of people in a negative way.

Now some people like to play the trick of parody. Yes, we might laugh facing death when it is absolutely inevitable. But it's not proper to make fun of a serious situation especially when some other people suffer from it.

Of course, if you see others' misfortunes as entertainment, it's your way of life. But such fun is unacceptable for the majority of ordinary people.

Ray Newton

On China Daily website

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(China Daily 12/31/2008 page9)