Biased reporting on British program

I am English and live in China. I was, or at least I thought I was, lucky enough to watch some news items from a British world program recently. However, I was shocked by the biased language used with regard to China.

In a news item a spokesperson for the UN stated that the Western press still do not have the freedom to report at will in China, and that may be true.

In another item covering the backlog of travelers in Guangzhou, a British radio reporter used biased language about the Chinese government's assistance to the people.

When the storm Katrina hit New Orleans did the media state that the Republican government was sending emergency assistance? I do not think so, but rather the government was sending assistance. Or President George W. Bush said: "Blah, blah, blah." So why use it for China?

In reality we can see that many from the Chinese government including President Hu Jintao had actually been to the South. They went there in person to show their care and give assurance to the people, that the government was doing all it could for the people stranded there.

In addition, it is not the fault of the Chinese government that the weather was so unusually disagreeable last year.

Paul Griffiths

via e-mail

High praise for translator

I considered myself lucky when Zheng Defang agreed to translate into Chinese a biography I had written, published here, entitled Ma Haide, The Saga of American Doctor George Hatem in China.

Not only was she fluent in English and Chinese; she had a firm grasp of the cultures of both China and America.

Even more important, as an ardent revolutionary, she was keenly aware of the steady flow into China of young foreign progressives.

Most had already been actively opposing the invasions in Asia and Europe by the Japanese, German and Italian fascists. No sooner did they arrive in China than they promptly joined the forces of the Chinese resistance.

Zheng said it is entirely natural for people with the same world outlook to fight against oppression wherever it takes place.

George Hatem was an outstanding example of enlightened young American of his day. His work in China won international acclaim. The citation of the prestigious Lasker Public Service Award said of him: "Dr Ma's contribution can be compared in importance to the eradication of yellow fever and the bubonic plague. As a model for the public health control of venereal diseases, they stand alone."

Zheng felt an instinctive affinity for Hatem. No wonder her translation was so good. They spoke the same language in an area where it counts the most. I remember Zheng with respect and admiration.

Sidney Shapiro

via e-mail

Time to resolve gender problem

Comment on Li Xing's column "Rights of women workers" (China Daily, March 6)

Woman graduates are facing a very realistic problem in seeking jobs.

I am a graduate of 2007, and I am now pursuing further education.

Women find themselves in an inferior position than men in the competitive labor market. Even women who have majored in biology or politics tend to be refused if there are men candidates. It is high time this problem was resolved.

Sunflower

via e-mail

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(China Daily 03/11/2008 page10)