Radio Australia (English), Connect Asia, 0700 hours
CHINA: What Is The Significance Of Premier Hu’s Interview With Foreign Journalists Before The Olympics?
Radio Australia (English), Connect Asia,
0700 hours, 4.8.08, Item 2.
_______________
Chinese President Hu Jintao has given a rare interview to a group of foreign journalists, one week ahead of the Olympic Games. The unprecedented media conference was held as Olympic organizers lifted some internet restrictions on the international media covering the Games. Nasya Bahfen reports:
NB: “Before last week Chinese President Hu Jintao had never given a press conference either at home, or abroad, in which reporters were allowed to ask questions. But in a rare sign of media nous by the Chinese government, Mr Hu has addressed the carefully selected question of a small group of foreign journalists in Beijing, one week from the start of one of the most politicised Olympic Games in recent years. China’s human rights record in Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as media restrictions imposed by Beijing, mean the country is under the global spotlight like never before. Mr Hu told foreign journalists there were bound to be differences in the way those issues were viewed by China, and by other countries.”
Mr Hu “(Speaking in Mandarin)”
Interpreter: “It is only inevitable that people from different countries and regions may not see eye to eye with one another on some different issues and I think in this context, we should enter into consultations on an equal footing to narrow our differences and expand our common ground on the basis of mutual respect.”
NB: “The twenty or so foreign journalists at the press conference were treated to a bit of humour, with Mr Hu saying that if pressed, he would choose to represent his country in ping-pong.”
Mr Hu “(Speaking in Mandarin)”
Interpreter: “I have a special interest for table tennis and swimming. If I were to choose what kind of event I would like to take part in, I would choose table tennis. But I would like to let you know that since the line-up of the Chinese table tennis team is already finalised and made public it seems that my wish could not be granted.”
NB: “So the reporters were treated to the rarest of sights – a Chinese president smiling, talking and cracking a joke with international media, even if it was a pretty lame one. And this week, the Chinese authorities appeared to allow some leeway, after earlier turning its back on a promise to let foreign journalists covering the Games complete access to the internet. Reporters at the Olympic press centre were able to visit a few previously banned websites including those of Amnesty International, Reporters without Borders and Deutsche Welle. But access to others remained blocked, including any sites linked to the Tibetan government in exile, and the Falungong movement. Mr Hu insists journalists covering the Games will be able to do their jobs.”
Mr Hu “(Speaking in Mandarin)”
Interpreter: “China’s door of opening up to the outside is always wide open no matter during the Olympic Games or after the Olympic Games, we will as always welcome foreign reporters and journalists to come to this country to cover what is happening here.”
NB: “But of course they have to abide by the media laws of the Chinese government – as one German reporter found out, when he tried to ask an un-approved question of Mr Hu, on human rights. The Chinese president paused briefly, before declining to respond.”
