CHINA DAILY ACCUSES WESTERN MEDIA OF POLITICISING THE BEIJING OLYMPICS
January 14th 2008 01:14
As the Beijing Olympic Games approaches, the Chinese capital finds itself being pushed more and more into the world's spotlight with, only the negative side portrayed, according to an unnamed op-ed piece in China Daily.
The op-ed quotes an unnamed press official of the Organizing Committee of the Beijing Olympic Games saying, "So far as some media are concerned, we find we can do nothing right. 'You are wrong' is their mentality and that's their universal conclusion whatever you do or don't do.
"All we can do is to do our best to make the games a success while neglecting rumors and groundless criticisms."
Air pollution and traffic problems are the issues widely expounded by the media it said, and added, “While some overseas media are demonising Beijing's air pollution and traffic problems, Beijing citizens seem to be happy to get more days of blue skies each year as compared with 2001 when the city won the Olympic bid. As for the traffic, while about half a dozen new subway lines will be open to the public before the Olympics, the authorities are working out traffic control plans which, according to them, should ensure a smooth flow during the Games. Meanwhile, subway and bus lines have been added while fares have been reduced.
“The Chinese capital would be lucky if criticism against it ended just there. “Beijing has kept its promise to the IOC on press freedom, but some media seem to be asking the host to adopt freedom and democracy according to their understanding and explanation. When not satisfied, they threaten to call for a boycott of the Games.
“Trying to politicise a sports event only does harm to the healthy development of the Olympic movement.
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