Forget about press freedom at the SCMP

I think it’s fairly clear that what will emerge isn’t going to look like real independent press freedom. That is something that Communist China has never had. The Communist Party heavyweights will be sure to manipulate and even “silence” those who dare threaten the “harmony and security” of their overpopulated, over-polluted, economically mismanaged, corrupt and propaganda-fed nation. Few in Thailand challenge the “Great Awakening” of China and in fact look for the best opportunities with which to ensconce themselves. Hypocritical perhaps? Now that a similar fate has befallen myopic Thailand and the stifling political straitjacket is firmly in place, none can reprove their masters, though a few will dare.

Joseph Tsai of Alibaba has suggested that the Morning News will henceforth counterbalance the Western news media’s perceived bias against China. Does he wish us to believe that China isn’t a communist state? Most Chinese news outlets should be seen as seriously suspect in terms of impartiality on international affairs. The SCMP is likely to become less independent than it has been. In “How Beijing’s Censorship Impairs US-China Relations”, Sarah Cook of Freedom House characterised Chinese press freedom. “Pressure on foreign media companies and harassment of their correspondents … has increased following a brief period of relaxation surrounding the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Moreover, virtually any US firm operating any information service or website that is accessible to Chinese users faces pressure to implement Communist Party surveillance and censorship directives. Those who refuse risk being shut out of the world’s largest Web market.”

Isn’t that also presenting things as they are?

Kettle Black