Learn to smile and move on

Although I have my reservations about Lisa Carducci's apparent disappointment with our people and our inadequate tourism industry ("Time to smile and welcome the world" April 9 ), I find one of her suggestions, "learn to smile", most relevant.

As a people we are introvert. I don't think anyone would deny that the Chinese are usually shy and hesitate to express their feelings in public. I think this arises from a trait deeply rooted in us and our culture. My classmates and I are no different though we studied English and western culture for over 6 years. That doesn't mean Chinese people are not warm-hearted or sincere. The problem is that we do not know how to express our emotions in a way that others expect.

But a smile really matters. It is a universal language by itself. It helps you when in trouble.

I learnt this last summer when I was on a short visit to Malaysia, which was also my first time abroad. On arrival in Kuala Lumpur airport, I was very nervous and at a loss as to who should be approached for a transit visa. But I never expected, from the nice lady in the customs office to the janitor, everyone I turned to ask was most helpful. And, what all of them had in common was the ability to "smile spontaneously and sincerely", just as Ms. Carducci has observed .

I am impressed and grateful for those smiles. The situation taught me how to express my thanks by smiling. On the second leg of my Southeast Asian tour in Indonesia, my Chinese style smile did win me many local friends. It was amazing to learn that a smile could achieve so much.

As long as we know how to smile, there will no longer be the problem of language barrier.

Yo Anda

Via email

Case for N-power plants in China

The report "Nuclear power plants mulled in China" (April 6) tells us that Central China's Hubei province is preparing for the first inland nuclear power plant, and that two more are at the blueprint stage. The report also states that the country plans to double the current level nuclear power output to 4 percent by 2020, which means the country would have an installed capacity of 40 million kilowatts.

The pace is not rapid when compared with the development of nuclear power in other countries. The present average proportion of nuclear power in the world is 17 percent, and in 17 countries the figure is over 25 percent, let alone the 85 percent in France. The proportion in China now is a mere 1.6 percent.

Bulk of the power in China is produced by thermal plants, along with the tremendous threat of pollution such generation represents. Faced with the huge demand for power and, equally, the enormous pressure for environmental protection, the central government's policy of sustainable development requires an environment-friendly model.

So the emphasis on green energy development has enabled great progress in recent years, especially in the area of hydropower, which now accounts for about a quarter of the total power production capacity.

Besides hydropower, which is limited to certain geological and hydrological conditions and whose negative ecological impact is still under study, nuclear power is the most advanced, technology-matured and widely used form of green energy in the world.

Other types of non-fossil energy such as wind or solar power, are either premature, or cannot be easily commercialized or utilized on a large scale.

It is in this context that one may recall reports about the Chinese government's policy to boost development and technology upgrading in the vehicle industry, and China's ambitious plan to be a world leader in electric cars. There is no doubt about the effect of auto on the urban air quality and global warming. However, if almost three fourths of electricity in this country is produced from coal, the electric car's contribution in lessening greenhouse gas emissions would be neutralized by smog from thermal plants usually located near cities.

There is a long way to go for reducing the nation's dependence on coal and oil. The investment of more resources in the development of nuclear and other forms of sustainable power means a bright and green future.

Tony Cai

Via email

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(China Daily 04/10/2009 page9)