Foreign Affairs
Sydney Morning Herald
China's provocations against Japan were 'evidence of profound domestic insecurity rather than rational policy', says a Beijing-based diplomat.
Reuters
Turkey, a member of NATO, joins the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a 'dialogue partner'.

Politics
Foreign Policy
Beijing's media blockade in Xinjiang and Tibet leaves observes in the dark.
Caijing
At least 138 counties, most of them in under-developed central or western provinces, have outlined plans to be upgraded to cities.
The Atlantic
Being a Chinese official is "not all it's cracked up to be".
Beijing News*
Law reform is announced after the Red Cross scandal.

Civil Society
Beijing News*
115 domestic charities have donated 1.05 billion yuan (HK$1.32 billion) to Ya'an earthquake rescue, shelter and reconstruction efforts.
China Digital Times
A month-long sit-in protest against land sales in Xiamen, Fujian province, has ended.
Southern Metropolis Daily*
On the 5th anniversary of the Shandong train crash (72 dead, 416 injured), the daily reviewed disgraced Railways Minister Liu Zhijun's career.
Weibo*
Netizens commemorate the 45th anniversary of Lin Zhao's execution.
Sports 163*
President Xi Jinping still holds hope for Chinese football.

Economy
Tech in Asia
China takes down two major movie piracy websites, makes arrests.
Financial Times
China’s executives are being criticised over high (but comparatively low) pay.
Wall Street Journal
Hollywood refuses to accept heavier taxation in China.

Military
Ming Pao*
Speculation about a graft investigation against Xu Caihou, one of the highest retired military officers, continues.
Beijing Morning News*
Cadillac, Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche and other luxury cars are not being issued new military number plates.