International Press Attempts to Portray China's Stance on Taiwan as 'Softening'

Story dated 28 January 2005

"China softens tone on issue of Taiwan talks" reads the headline. 'Great', I think as I click on the link to see the story, 'maybe China has acquired an understanding of what basic human rights are.' No such luck. The headline by Jim Yardley and Chris Buckley of the New York Times is, in my opinion, a blatant attempt to mislead the reader. China refuses to recognize Taiwanese independence. How is this a softer stance? In defense of the authors, despite the irresponsible title, their article admits that China's recent statements that seem to "soften China's usual harsh line against Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian" are actually a "rhetorical shift that seemed more about tone than substance." All in all, a fair article guys. Watch the headlines though. People who just skim the headlines will think that China is softening its stance on Taiwan, which it isn't. "China still will not recognize Taiwanese independence." And their promise to crush Taiwan militarily if they make a formal statement presumably still stands.

posted by The Sovereign Editor | 4:37 PM

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