NEW YORK (AP) – Chinese officials accused the Western media Thursday of misleading the public about Tibetan protests last month, complaining of "distorted reports and coverage."
The comments come amid widespread criticism of China's media restrictions during its crackdown on the largest anti-government protests in Tibet in almost two decades.
"The incident to a large degree has not been accurately covered or reported in the media here," Weilin Kuang, deputy consul-general of the Chinese consulate in New York, told reporters at a press conference.
"There have been some misleading reports and comments, there have been some distorted facts and wrong conclusions, wrong judgments," Kuang added.
Aside from a brief, tightly-managed government tour given to a group of Western journalists, foreign media has been banned from Tibet and some surrounding areas since the protests. At the same time, China has maintained its state control over news circulating within China.
Officials from the Chinese consulate in New York said Thursday that when security improved, journalists would be invited back. The Chinese government also announced that they hoped to reopen the region to tourists and media before May.
Kuang singled out CNN and British Broadcasting Corp., claiming that certain photos posted to the organizations' Web sites had been cropped purposely to make the Chinese crackdown after the protests last month appear worse than it was.
"People are angry – not only people in China, but also some Chinese communities here in this country are very angry about CNN about their coverage of Tibet, and also BBC," said Kuang.
Time Warner-owned CNN insists it has reported impartially, and said in a statement last month that it refutes allegations that it "distorts its coverage of the events in Tibet to portray either side in a more favorable light."
In a blog by Jon Williams, the BBC's World News Editor, Williams acknowledged a mistake in one Tibet photo caption, but insisted that "to suggest that this is part of an orchestrated campaign is unfair. The BBC has no agenda – our job is to report all sides of the story."
Chinese officials have put the death toll at 22 during the crackdown following the protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, but Tibetan exiles say nearly 140 people were killed.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Ellen,
Of course we are going to disagree about somethings, but there is a correct answer. I checked out the site you gave, and I have to say I don't think it is so "unbiased". It says absolutely nothing against China at all. Just a brief look through the website shows me that it is basically just an anti-Christian, anti-America website. There are no counter perspectives even presented. Almost all statistics or facts were backed by "Global Research" information or Chinese media... very suspicious.
Nice talking! I am glad that we have better understandings of each other. I do not expect that we will agree on everything, nor will the Chinese government with the Western countries, because we have fundamentally different and often conflicting intersts. I just don't like, actually I am disgusted by the way Western governments are using "human rights" as an excuse to advance their political interests. I found a fairly unbiased analysis of the Tibet issue, and how the whole thing is well planned and supported by the Western governments, led by the US. It also reveals the true reasons why the US chose Afganistan and Iraq as its targets for "war on terrorism". There are certainly shadier and strategic political reasons behind them. This analysis also talks about Western media supporting their political interests. While they are "free", they are far from being objective. Watch out as this whole thing might just be to prepare the world for a "justified" war on Iran.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8673
Ellen,
Good to hear from you!
First, you accused the U.S. of being to blame for problems in North Korea. You are partly right, the U.S. should be harder against North Korea. I do believe that sanctions against NK do allow aid in the form of food and basic needs, but the NK government decides what its people get. All the aid China gives to NK just makes the leaders richer. Do you know why East Germany fell? Because Russia stopped giving it support. Now East Germany and West are united, both are prospering, and people are happy. Do you know what will cause NK to fall and allow the Koreans to be united and at peace, and live good lives? If China will stop supporting the NK. China is a big part of the problem here.
You said, "Regarding North Korean refugees, as a developing nation itself, China doesn't have as much capacity as the US to take care of any refugees that want to enter. What if every North Korean wants to live in China? We simply can't handle that."
But the UN would be willing to take them, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and many countries have offered to take any refugees from North Korea. All China has to do is say, "OK". But China is sending them back to their torture and eventual death.
You mentioned the situation in an L.A. protest in America. Certainly the U.S. has been guilty of the same things, the difference is that news papers in America criticize this, people become outraged, and the Government apologizes and must change. China controls the media.
"I do believe most Western governments are quite anit-China and uneasy about its economic rise. You really can't blame China for clinging to the only friends it has in the world. "
To some extent, they are against China. I don't believe it is because of the economic rise, as they were against China when China was very poor. I think it is because of Chinese government policies.
I would like to talk with you about these issues more, and hear your opinion on other issues, but I don't think Christian Post is the best place. If you want to continue our dialogue, you can email me at FrozenFire_333@yahoo.com
Thanks for the conversation, and I hope to hear from you!
Chris
"If a person is suffering needlessly, then I am against it, if a government is the cause of it, then I am against them. You cannot just say, "China lets North Korea handle its own problems" whenever China is sending them tons of aid and obstructing UN work in Korea. The Chinese government is part of the problem, and they are as responsible for the suffering and death of the North Korean people as much as Kim Il." I think the US, not China, is the ultimate cause of all this mess. The US is the one that has been advocating economic sanctions on N Korea, thus leading to hunger and poverty in N Korea, thus leading to the N Korean government becoming desparate and starting to play the nuclear weapon card.
Chris,
Thanks for helping me understand your views. I do agree with many of them and I think we understand each other a lot better now after the conversations. I think what we are doing is exactly what China and Chinese people need with the rest of the world. This is very constructive cultural exchange, and the Olympics can make it on a much bigger scale. Even if it might in someway overlap politics, it is good for all parties involved.
I think a lot of conflicts between China and the Western world have roots in their different understandings of the scope of "sovereignty of states". That's what leads to Westerners to think China doesn't care about anyone else when it makes decisions on human rights and stuff, while China gets pissed off when Westerners want to interfere with their decisions on things that they consider as "internal affairs".
Regarding North Korean refugees, as a developing nation itself, China doesn't have as much capacity as the US to take care of any refugees that want to enter. What if every North Korean wants to live in China? We simply can't handle that.
The Chinese culture is also very different than the Western culture. For thousands of years, we have stressed more on collectivism and less on individulism, thus we value collective rights more than individual rights. We believe in preventing individual rights from geting in the way of collective rights and we also strongly value social order - as it is a country with a high population density. In the case of Tibetan protestors, they were violently attacking the innocent people around them and causing serious social chaos. That's why we believe as a responsible government, our main goal at the moment is to restore peace. This whole thing is actually quite similar to the LA riot in 1992. The US government used 10,000+ military guys to quite LA and killed innocent people in the process. We are also angry at the US (esp. Pelosi) at using double standards and this leads us to believe they are simply anti-China.
I do believe most Western governments are quite anit-China and uneasy about its economic rise. You really can't blame China for clinging to the only friends it has in the world. If Western countries are more open-minded and accept China, instead of doing everything they can to alienate it and deploying defense systems all around China, China wouldn't be so concerned about strenghtening its military forces to better defend itself either. We believe in socialism and it has worked well in China. We are fine with the Western countries being based on capitalism. Why can't you tolerate our being socialist? We think the biggest threat to the world is the Western countries' hostility toward China, not the other way around!
I want to talk a little bit about "Sovereignty of states". The idea that a country's problems, are there own problems. This is true, to a degree. The U.S. has the responsibility to help countries that are suffering, and people who are suffering in other countries. Imagine, if people just said to Nazi Germany, "Well it is Germany's problem, let them deal with it" People's lives are more important that Democracy and Communism. China's problems are China's problems, but a person's problems are the worlds problems. Maybe if China and North Korea were not so uncooperative with the United Nations and other Countries, then the world could become a better place.
I will say this, I do not care if it offends Chinese, North Koreans, Americans, or anyone else. If a person is suffering needlessly, then I am against it, if a government is the cause of it, then I am against them. You cannot just say, "China lets North Korea handle its own problems" whenever China is sending them tons of aid and obstructing UN work in Korea. The Chinese government is part of the problem, and they are as responsible for the suffering and death of the North Korean people as much as Kim Il.
ellen,
I agree with a lot of what you have said, but there are some distinguishments that need to be made.
1)"political spring board" is exactly what I have described. They are using the Olympics in order to jumpstart international relations. Thus a political spring board.
2)"letting the world have a better understanding of the country is mostly for cultural exchange purposes, not necessarily political."
Cultural exchange = international politics. Granted their are some slight nuances that are different, but not a whole lot. Also, it is only fair that if China wants to use the Olympics to show the good, then they should accept it when people criticize the bad.
3)"This is not true. There are many churches throughout China. I owned a bible when I was in China which I bought in a church in China, and it was the exact same International Version I can buy here in the US. Quite a few of my family members are Christians and they have no complaints about their freedom."
All churches must be government sanctioned, this is not freedom of religion. According to Open Doors, "There are Christians (in China) who are restricted in their freedom to worship, but there are also areas where the situation is not as tight. Sometimes the government crackdowns against Christians were motivated by preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008 and not by anti-Christian grounds." I suppose it depends on where you live.
4) I am glad to see changes on internet regulations, however it is not as good as you make it out. You must know of Yahoo turning over information about an individual causing him to be imprisoned? http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/07/MN2NT7C99.DTL
5)"I believe the right to life should always come before the right to freedom." Depends on how far you take this concept. Many people are willing to die for their freedom, and it is not wrong.
6)"This is the exact same reason why the US won't let Mexicans enter as illegal immigrants. We always belive we should let other countries solve their own problems. The North Korean government should deal with their own internal affairs."
The situation with Mexico is not comparable. We do give amnesty to anyone running away from oppressive regimes or extreme situations. Hence, we give amnesty to anyone from Cuba. China ships North Koreans back often, and usually to their death. China also supports North Korea, which is an abomination, if China did not support North Korea, the regime would be gone in a year.
"The Chinese government has always planned to use the Olympics for political purposes, to promote China as a country of harmony, progress and peace" Ok, first of all China didn't call it a "political spring board". Second of all, letting the world have a better understanding of the country is mostly for cultural exchange purposes, not necessarily political. This becomes even more necessary now after there is so much misunderstanding between each other.
"Christians cannot meet without government sanction, Bibles must be the Chinese government approved Bible" This is not true. There are many churches throughout China. I owned a bible when I was in China which I bought in a church in China, and it was the exact same International Version I can buy here in the US. I also saw all versions of imported bibles in book stores. Quite a few of my family members are Christians and they have no complaints about their freedom.
"words like "freedom", "Liberty", and "Democracy" were banned from the internet" I see these words on Chinese websites all the time and people openly discuss and offer suggestions about the government's political reforms.
" If your kids want to be free and starve to death, as their parent would you let them? " The reason why I asked this is because I believe the right to life should always come before the right to freedom. If you really care about someone, you shouldn't let them choose freedom but give up life. What human rights do you have when you are not living?
"North Koreans are starving and dying and being horribly oppressed, while China sends North Korean refugees back to North Korea, where they face torture and death." This is the exact same reason why the US won't let Mexicans enter as illegal immigrants. We always belive we should let other countries solve their own problems. The North Korean government should deal with their own internal affairs. Tibet is part of China so we have the responsibility to take care of it.
ellen (part 1),
"I highly doubt China said this and there is no way they would call it a "spring board". "
"The Chinese government has always planned to use the Olympics for political purposes, to promote China as a country of harmony, progress and peace." (According to CNN "China Counters Critics
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/04/12/hilsum.olympic.wrap2.itn?iref=videosearch
You also said, " China eagerly wants to host the Olympics only because it wants to show the world what modern China is really like now and Olympics is a great opportunity to further mutual understanding and clear misunderstanding."
This is using the Olympics for political purposes. But we wouldn't hold the Olympics in Darfur, or in North Korea, or in Saudi Arabia. Because these countries have committed gross human rights violations. I don't believe China is now like these countries, but there are still issues, and allowing the Olympics to be hosted by a country, shows at least some support for that country's position. I don't think Russia and the U.S. boycotted each others' olympics for nothing! They knew exactly what they were doing.
"China has undergone dramatic change in the past 30 years and many Westerners are not familiar with its achievements and the government's efforts to improve people's lives."
I agree, a lot has changed. And China deserves support and applause for the things it has accomplished. However, a lot has not changed. Christians cannot meet without government sanction, Bibles must be the Chinese government approved Bible, Christians do not have the right to speak freely. I don't know if it is still the case, but last time I heard, words like "freedom", "Liberty", and "Democracy" were banned from the internet. These things need to change. As well, China's support for North Korea (not sure how much they still support them) is absurd and sick. North Koreans are starving and dying and being horribly oppressed, while China sends North Korean refugees back to North Korea, where they face torture and death. China gives incredible ammounts of support to North Korea, most of which goes to the regime. This is extremely disturbing.
Ellen (Part 2)
"It sounds like you don't really care if Tibetans die from starvation, then why do you care whether they are free??"
No I do care, but I don't think that is China's main goal in Tibet. I do not understand why China cannot just give Tibet (and the rest of China) freedom of religious worship. The problem would be solved.
" If your kids want to be free and starve to death, as their parent would you let them? "
First of all, the Tibetans do not want to starve to death, but the way you presented made it look as though China was only there to prevent them from starving and poor living conditions. Secondly, the example does not work, my children are my responsibility, but I do not have the right, once my children are adults, to force them to believe what I believe, and force them to do what I tell them to do. Tibet is not China's children, and this mindset is what may cause a lot of the problems.
This said, I am not saying that China has not done anything good for Tibet, Chinese, or even for the world. China has done a lot of things well. But they are doing some things which I cannot stand by and ignore. China is using the Olympics to show how peaceful and good they are, well then it is only fair that others can use the Olympics to show what is wrong in China. China should not complain, western media is not controlled by the Chinese government.
"If Tibet wants to be free and starve to death, then why does China care?" If your kids want to be free and starve to death, as their parent would you let them?
Chris,
"The Olympics was largely formed as a means of uniting countries", you put it very well, it is to unite, not to divide. "and a part of this is politics" I don't see what political purposes it is to serve though. Even if it is related to politics, which I don't think it's supposed to be, we know that boycotting Olympics never works to achieve any political goals. What did the US and Russia gain by boycotting each other's Olympics in the 1980s? Even if you don't like the Chinese government, you should show some consideration to the 1.4 billion people who waited for decades for their Olympic dream to come true and worked so hard to present a joyous and memorable experience to the world. And many of the athletes around the world have spent their entire youth preparing for an Olympic medal. Please do not let any temporary anger ruin so many dreams and break so many hearts.
"China has clearly stated in the past that they are using the Olympics for a political spring board." I highly doubt China said this and there is no way they would call it a "spring board". China eagerly wants to host the Olympics only because it wants to show the world what modern China is really like now and Olympics is a great opportunity to further mutual understanding and clear misunderstanding. China has undergone dramatic change in the past 30 years and many Westerners are not familiar with its achievements and the government's efforts to improve people's lives. I guarantee you will be surprised if you watch this video about Chinese cities http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwfRz8eOZaA. Even I was shocked.
"I seriously do not think it is right to call the Dalai Lama as worse than Saddam Hussein." When Dalai Lama was in control, he was the head of the government and there was no democracy, only extreme poverty and oppression. Avg life expectancy of Tibetans was 35, as opposed to 68 today. I think any president who would cut their citizens' hands and legs when they fail to pay taxes is no better than Saddam. I can even show you pictures of entertaining instruments from that time that were made from people's skulls, legs and skin.
"If Tibet wants to be free and starve to death, then why does China care? " Because Tibet is part of China and why wouldn't we care? It sounds like you don't really care if Tibetans die from starvation, then why do you care whether they are free?? You should also consider the fact that people can be fooled sometimes, especially by their spiritual leaders. They may also be too afraid to speak against their religious leader - their God.
"It appears that the vast majority of Tibetans are not happy, thus massive protests." There are over 2 million tibetans in Tibet. What percentage do you think participated in the protests?
Thanks Chris, and may peace be with all.
ellen,
I actually watched the videos CNN put up showing indian and Nepal monk "beatings", though I wouldn't call it beating, I would call it "rough moving". It was clear that it was in India though, and I never had the impression that China did this. I did hear that Chinese police had shot some protesters, but again, from CNN's portrayal I didn't feel that China was being "evil" or using unnecessary force. I couldn't really tell. CNN also often shows Chinese officials speaking their views of the situation. (As well as the Dalai Lama's)
"1 Olympics should never be tied to politics. "
Impossible, and China has clearly stated in the past that they are using the Olympics for a political spring board. The Olympics was largely formed as a means of uniting countries, and a part of this is politics. To separate politics from the Olympics is impossible.
"#2 Although I think the Chinese government is far from perfect, I still firmly believe that the Chinese government is doing a much better job at improving the lives of Tibetans than Dalai Lama ever has or ever will. The majority of Tibetans are very happy with their lives and welcome further integration into China. I am angry that the Western media never reports what Tibet was like under Dalai Lama's rule. That's why you all think he's a hero and we know he's even worse than Saddam Hussein."
I seriously do not think it is right to call the Dalai Lama as worse than Saddam Hussein. This is really, really stretching it. Also, China did violently usurp Tibet, in the process killing many. This aside I would state two things, 1) people want freedom more than riches, freedom to worship as they desire, freedom to express their views as they desire, freedom to elect their own leaders. If Tibet wants to be free and starve to death, then why does China care? Did Chinese officials meet before they invaded Tibet and say, "Let's do this to help out these people and spend tons of money on them!" No, let's be realists, when America, China, or any other country does something like this, they do it for personal gain, almost every single time. 2) It appears that the vast majority of Tibetans are not happy, thus massive protests. Why doesn't China allow the UN to come into Tibet and take a poll of all members to find out what they really want?
May God Bless you ellen, and bring understanding here,
Chris
Chris,
Thanks for your comment. I admit the Chinese government did two things wrong when handling this issue - First, they shouldn't have used military forces to respond to protestors, even though believe me the protestors were extremely violent and killing many innocent Han Chinese people. Second, they shouldn't have banned Western jounalists from entering Tibet.
However, with these said, I don't think it is right by any means for Western journalists to report fake news and make up stories. It is absolutely against the ethical codes of professional journalists. I can't believe some media will use photos of Nepal and Indian police beating Tibetan protestors over there and say that these are all Chinese police. Check out anti-cnn.com if you didn't know this.
My main position is that #1 Olympics should never be tied to politics. Olympics should be a joyous event for the world to come together and strengthen friendship regardless of their political status. It is an event for the civilians not governments. #2 Although I think the Chinese government is far from perfect, I still firmly believe that the Chinese government is doing a much better job at improving the lives of Tibetans than Dalai Lama ever has or ever will. The majority of Tibetans are very happy with their lives and welcome further integration into China. I am angry that the Western media never reports what Tibet was like under Dalai Lama's rule. That's why you all think he's a hero and we know he's even worse than Saddam Hussein.
ellen,
First of all, of course the media is biased, China will not allow the media into TIBET! It is really ridiculous to say, "Oh you are so biased" and then the media says "Well can we see what is happening?" to which China responds, "NO! No, no no... umm it is too dangerous.. but, it is not too dangerous for the Olympic running" Yet, there is western media in Iraq, Ghana, and virtually everywhere except for North Korea. If China wants less condemnation, then it is easy, open up and let people see what you are doing.
"Did you ever find out what Dalai Lama really wants? Yes, he wants full freedom as Tibet's religious leader."
This shows a lack of understanding of the Dalai Lama's position, he clearly stated that he does not care about full freedom, only the freedom to worship as they please. But China refuses to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama, so of course they do not understand his position! They are basically saying, "YOU ONLY WANT TOTAL FREEDOM AND WANT TO OPRESS YOUR PEOPLE!!!!" and when the Dalai Lama says, "Well no I don't..." The Chinese respond, "NO, we refuse to talk to you, we KNOW THAT YOU SAY THIS!"
Give me a break, this is behavior I would expect from a 5 year old...
The FACT is, not just Chinese in China, but Chinese all over the world, including all of us in the US where we have full access to all media sources, are angry towards Western media right now. This is because we have seen both sides of the story and know how biased and shameless Western media has been in covering Tibet. You only tell one side of the story and let your audience believe that is all to it. Did you ever reveal the fact that Tibet was under miserable oppression, poverty and starvation when Dalai Lama was in control? Did you mention how Tibetans were excessively taxed on everything (including having a baby) by the monarstries led by Dalai Lama and if they failed to pay these taxes they would get amputated? Did you ever mention how China has been investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Tibet each year to try to improve their lives, by setting up schools, hopitals, and public facilities? If China hasn't been doing this, Tibet wouldn't be an attractive tourist destination for Westerners at all. Did you ever find out what Dalai Lama really wants? Yes, he wants full freedom as Tibet's religious leader. But you need to understand Tibet was a pure theocracy when he was in control, so religious leader = head of government = dictator. There is no way such a form will give Tibetans real freedom and democracy. Wake up Western media. You have been fooling your own people for as long as you have existed and we educated, informed and sober Chinese are fully aware of your hypocracy now and will never trust you again!
Correction:
I have very little respect (if any) for China's government.
Well China,
Perhaps if you allowed media to have full access to Tibet, then they could see what is really going on. But you don't want that do you? You just want to say, "Oh its not fair you are biased" while at the same time not allowing us to see both sides fully.
I don't buy it, China was wrong in taking Tibet, they were violent and usurped it, and they have no right to complain. They did the same thing Japan did to them. They supress Christians all the time, and I have very little respect for them.
I suggest we Boycott the Olympics and Chinese products.
Time Warner-owned CNN insists it has reported impartially...for the first time ever