VIEWPOINT: Leader - Wiping away tarnish of Snoopy fiasco

When it comes to giveaways, McDonald's is the undisputed market leader. But few will forget the chaos the fast-food chain sparked, and the punches that were traded, notably in Hong Kong and Singapore, all for a set of Snoopy premiums, which McDonald's launched a few years ago.

However, its latest giveaway - a CD of songs as part of a drive to bolster English-language skills among China's youth - should wipe away some of the tarnish caused by the McSnoopy fiasco. In a country that values learning, especially English to get ahead, the giveaway is not only relevant, but demonstrates that the chain does understand its customers.