The Western media's coverage of China has always been prejudiced. And their coverage of the Urumqi riots casts another shadow on their credibility, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpt:

The Western media's coverage of the July 5 riots in Urumqi shows how prejudiced they are against China.

First, they intentionally changed the facts. The riots were serious violent crimes, for which perpetrators have to be punished according to law. But the Western media painted the crimes as brawls, and organized violence against innocent civilians as bilateral conflict.

Second, they have always given more space and time to the trouble-makers in events of dispute or violence. People trying to fan trouble from abroad have been their main source of information, with the Chinese government seldom getting any importance.

Third, they have always played with words to tarnish China's image. They called the rioters who killed more than 180 people "protesters". On the other hand, they termed the steps the Chinese government took to restore order as "crackdown".

Fourth, they have always distorted facts by furnishing one-sided materials. A section of the Western media even published several articles saying the Uygurs have complained about being discriminated against by Han Chinese. But they did not mention anything about the referential policies and treatment minority ethnic groups have been enjoying for decades and the fact that most of the minorities get along well with Han Chinese.

The Western media have always seen China through tainted glasses. Their arrogance and prejudice toward China have blinded their vision.

This is clear case of objectivity giving way to bias in reporting, and the media losing its credibility.

(China Daily July 15, 2009)