OPINION> Commentary
Even CNN can see the truth
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-28 07:46

The year 2008 will be remembered with mixed feelings by the Chinese, not only because of the coming Beijing Olympics and the many crises in the run-up to the event, but also because of the totally different reactions of the Western world toward China. Through these reactions, they have come to know how much they are divided and how much they could have in common, says a commentary of Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:

Just a few weeks ago, China was fiercely attacked by those who did not have the slightest idea about the truth of the secessionist riot in Tibet. The nation's feelings were offended as it watched a wheelchair-bound woman torchbearer being attacked by those who sought to sabotage the Olympic torch relay.

During more than 30 years of reform and opening-up, China has been reaching out to the world through extensive engagement. But what happened in the last few months made the average Chinese wonder how the Western world can be so opinionated as to interpret riots, arson and murder as "peaceful protests" by and the government's action against these as a "crackdown".

The worldwide protests against the Western media's biased and hurtful reports and the Western world's indifference toward China's indignant defense also made the Chinese people ponder. Is there any way that China and the West can make peace with each other, given the vast gap in their political, cultural and social backgrounds?

But in less than two months' time, the Western stance toward China shifted in the face of another disaster, the Sichuan earthquake.

To the surprise of many Chinese, the Western media this time reported the Chinese government's rapid response and efficient disaster relief efforts with unprecedented acknowledgement. And they also touched upon a side of the Chinese people they had never covered before: the people's calm and courage in the face of a terrible disaster, soldiers and volunteers who came to help at the risk of their own lives, and officials who lost their families but still led rescue efforts with a strong heart.

Even CNN, which had been targeted by millions of Chinese at home and abroad for its questionable Tibet coverage, won credit for its coverage of the Sichuan earthquake.

The CNN report used the following words to describe a local Communist Party official at the rescue scene: "Tears flowed down his cheeks, and he made no efforts to wipe them away. He says that as many as 500 are dead, including his parents, his wife and their two children. In the midst of his anguish, there is a call over his radio. He's needed again, and he runs off - with apologies - to go back to work."

Grassroots officials like this man, however, used to be portrayed negatively in the foreign media. Similarly, those in uniform, whether police or the army, were described as tools of the government.

How come the changes? The answer lies in some universal values they share: respect for human life, and for all the good human qualities of bravery, selflessness, and perseverance in the face of difficulties.

In other words, different peoples with varied political, religious and cultural backgrounds can unite as one, when faced with the common threats to humanity's existence and development. Even the worst tragedy might thus have a blessing: such disasters could make us realize that it is easier for different people to understand and appreciate each other, once politically charged bias is absent. And those differences, disputes and even conflicts, inevitable in a diversified world, just do not matter that much in comparison with the shared concern for human life and pursuit for human development.

With this in mind, the West and the East can have a better understanding of the slogan for the Beijing Olympics - "One world, one dream".

(China Daily 05/28/2008 page8)