Former French diplomat on western media´s criticism on China

Source: Xinhua | 05-12-2009 11:42

BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhuanet) -- "The western media's violent storm of criticism on China are rumors and slanders," said Lionel Vairon, C.E.O of the CEC Consulting and a former French diplomat.

Vairon was reaffirming his critical view of the western media elaborated in his book "Threat of China?" during an exclusive interview with Xinhuanet on Monday.

Pointing out a reason for such a phenomenon is "the commercialization of the media," he said, "the media will think about the commercial interests first."

"Namely, when they want to sell the newspapers, they want to give the bad news, if it is good news, they don't sell the papers (well)."

As a result, he noted, "If you only talk good things about China, the newspaper won't have good sale; but if you are critical about it, then papers will be sold well."

Then, he said, the reporters also have a strong influence on the phenomenon. "Reporters need to write exclusive news articles very quickly," and "consequently the news is lack of or without in-depth analysis, which leads to generally simple and superficial views on some issues."

He said he also understands the reporters always need to stick to the main stream and have more critical views on what is happening. "If they write that China has made lots of progress especially during last year when the 29th Olympic Games were held, the editors-in-chief won't be very happy with it."