Over 600 senior citizens in the eastern city of Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, have signed an agreement with their children in which children are obliged to care for their parents, economically and mentally.

A commentary on the website of Xinhuabaoye considered the move ironic, as filial piety, one of the most important virtues, is confined within a legal framework.

The commentary says the agreement does enable the elderly to confront their children if they are not properly taken care of. But the commentary asked about other social responsibilities people need to shoulder; do they also need to be ensured by signing agreements?

It says caring for the aged is moral. How embarrassing if the elderly need to ask for love from their children through a signed contract.

(CRI June 14, 2006)