CRI听力：Rejecting paying for bids: to be praised or not

The mystery bidder for two Chinese bronze sculptures auctioned in Paris has finally revealed his identity---- an antique collector, named Cai Mingchao.

But he declared that he would not pay for the bids. He said his actions were just to halt the sale of the Chinese treasures, which were looted by Anglo-France allied force from Beijing's Old Summer Palace in 1860.

Cai Mingchao's actions have sparked heated discussion among the public.

A commentary in the Beijing News goes against his extraordinary action. (www.hXen.com)

It says it's not a wise way to express patriotism because not paying for the bids means violating laws and dishonouring promises. It also looses the sense of agreements a modern and civilized society should have.

Some people say that keeping promises is needless in this case, for the Chinese relics being auctioned off were plundered by invading forces.

But the author of the commentary argues that in our modern and civilized times, our moves are not only to demand justice for history but to also open a new page for the future.

The paper concludes by saying that we all know the significance of abiding by laws and keeping one's promise. And within the international community, it requires a civilized response to adhere to the same basic rules and laws.