If you've been reading the Chinese press this week, you might have come across two strikingly unharmonious pieces of information. I am speaking of the treatment of the Shanghai Tower news by China Daily (ht Shanghaiist). In the space of 3 days from 11/28 to 12/01 China Daily has changed its tune radically in two articles about the construction of the new tower, which started … [Read more...] about (Letter from chinayouren, Opposing Viewpoint) Shanghai’s Tower of Babel
(Letter) Night And Day Reportings of Lhasa And Mumbai
Along the same line of amusing reporting, have you noticed the treatment being given to Mumbai "terror attack"? On-the-surface comparison seems to be night-and-day when compared to the "uprising" that occured in Lhasa: - No scrutiny of why the attacked occured. It's reported as "terror" rather than "uprising" - Liber and verbatim reporting of the Indian government's … [Read more...] about (Letter) Night And Day Reportings of Lhasa And Mumbai
Remember the adage: "never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence"?
In keeping with the theme of amusing news, let's take a look at the translation provided in ESWN of a poem written by Chen Shuibian's to his wife from prison, after he was detained for allegedly (with his entire family) laundering bribes and embezzled money worth well north of millions in US dollars. Its literary quality is perhaps best summarized by this response from a well … [Read more...] about Remember the adage: "never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence"?
Psst, Tim, it would catch more eyes if you claim China engineered the financial crisis
I just found out, via Andrew Sullivan's blog, that Tim Butcher had penned a rather interesting article at the Prospect Magazine accusing China for provoking a new cycle of violence in Congo. Now, before people jump up and throw charges at me (i.e., you are being super sensitive again!), I just want to say that I am only sharing this with you for amusement. Really. … [Read more...] about Psst, Tim, it would catch more eyes if you claim China engineered the financial crisis
Disgruntled political essayist sentenced to three years of international fame
Chen Daojun (陈道军), a relatively obscure activist (or provocateur depending on one's point of view) in China, was sentenced to three years in prison for "inciting subversion of state authority" (煽动颠覆国家政权罪) yesterday. Thus the Chinese government, quite rightfully described as clumsy and self-defeating in presenting itself, just launched someone into a career of fame and awards. … [Read more...] about Disgruntled political essayist sentenced to three years of international fame