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Welcome to real China

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-10 07:32

We should face up to the challenge and make the best use of the opportunity that the Beijing Olympic Games gives us, says an article in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

As estimated, around 36,000 overseas journalists, three times the number of athletes, would cover the Games in Beijing. It is not only a challenge but also an opportunity.

What we mean by challenge is that most of these 36,000 journalists may come to China for the first time and thus may face various difficulties in relation to their work and living. What is more, these journalists, especially accredited ones, may cover stories other than the Games; issues concerning China's society, economy, politics, rule of law, democracy, environmental protection and labor are all what they are interested in.

In terms of opportunity, it is a good moment for China to launch an international public relations campaign by welcoming overseas reporters and showcase the open and civilized image of modern China. These reporters may become messengers for China to boost international communications and thus show the world a real China and allay some long-term misunderstandings of China.

Our government is pro-active. In 2006, it promulgated the regulation on the news reports by overseas journalists, endowing them with much convenience. Meanwhile, the routine news release system was also established by the Beijing Olympic Games organizers. The opening of the three news centers on July 8 will greatly lift the news services level of the Olympic Games. Overseas journalists are amazed at the state-of-the-art facilities at the news centers and the 24-hour all-around service system also left them with a deep impression.

It is a commitment for us to provide solid physical guarantee for the Olympic news coverage, which reveals our respect for the internationally applied rules in news reporting and our attitude of protecting the rights of news coverage. The image of a country derives not only from its economic success, but also from the confidence and openness of the government.

Besides the guarantee of physical support, we also need an attitude of candidness, tolerance and open-mindedness.

It is to be noted that critical or negative reports about China are hardly avoidable when overseas media are covering stories about the Games and the national development of China. We do not need other countries to admit that China is strong in every aspect and China is a perfect country for it is not objective or realistic. What we need is only to show a real China, an open, free and rapidly developing China. Therefore, we should welcome critical reports, but at the same time condemn biased stories.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is not only a sports event, but also a milestone in China's reform and opening up. An open Olympic Games is not only a display but also a test of our society. We should open our hearts, draw on the nutrition of human civilization, and propel the society forward from every aspect. It is the biggest asset that the Olympic Games gives us.

(China Daily 07/10/2008 page8)