Beijing lashes back at US jab on media freedoms

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — China's Foreign Ministry on Monday rejected accusations by President Barack Obama that China is among nations that regularly harass and detain journalists.

In his May 1 statement marking World Press Freedom Day, Obama cited the imprisonment of reporter Shi Tao and human rights blogger Hu Jia as "emblematic examples" on how China and other nations restrict press freedoms.

"In every corner of the globe, there are journalists in jail or being actively harassed," Obama said.

In a response issued Monday, the Foreign Ministry said the government protects freedom of speech and encourages the development of the media industry.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i0pUF-CW3egTCMDRXl0edSslPfrAD97VBK203

[Coventina]

1. Xinhua: China urges the U.S. to stop intervening in its press freedom

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/04/content_11309965.htm

BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- China rejected the U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day here on Monday, urging the U.S. to stop intervening in its press freedom.

Ma Zhaoxu, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that the Chinese government protected freedom of speech according to law, and had brought the public and media's supervision into full play.

"China's news cause has achieved remarkable development since its reform and opening up to the outside world 30 years ago, with the number of press staff increased and their rights and interests protected," said Ma.

"We urge the U.S to respect the facts and China's jurisdiction, view China's press freedom correctly, and stop intervening in China's press freedom," Ma stressed.

*********************************

Stop interfering with our, er, "freedom"!
Classic!

[Tempest]

2. "In every corner of the globe, there are journalists in jail or being actively harassed,"

Including here in the U.S.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/14946011/

[ConcernedCanuk]

3. Darn good thing the USA didn't interfere with journalists during the wars in the ME, eh?

.
.
.

If anyone really feels the need for the :sarcasm: tag

go back to sleep

[Javaman]

4. China is one truly fucked up nation...

the block elements from freaking world of warcraft! LOL

That's how truly bizarre they are.