China is unarguably the leading economic power in the Asia Pacific region, but whether it can convert its economic might into political influence remains to be seen. In a strongly worded editorial, containing a thinly veiled attack on the US, the Reference News argues it has already done so.

The Yellow River Diversion Project was designed to help cities like Taiyuan in Shanxi province avoid a deepening water shortage. As China Economic Weekly reports, you can lead a river to a city, but you can’t make the city drink. At least not without pricing reform.