Advertisement
Letters | Jiang Zemin’s criticism of Hong Kong journalists was prophetic
- Readers discuss the former Chinese president’s remark about local journalists, and Justin Trudeau’s interaction with Xi Jinping at the G20 summit
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
5
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
I refer to your report, “Chinese leadership mourns ‘insurmountable loss’ of Jiang Zemin as former president dies aged 96” (November 30).
Jiang will be remembered as the architect of China’s socialist market economy as his theory of the Three Represents advanced Deng Xiaoping’s visionary economic reform. His flamboyant personality and distinctive diplomatic style broke China out of isolation after the 1989 political turmoil. His legacy was an era of peaceful relations with the West and China’s rising status in international trade, especially after accession to the World Trade Organization.
Advertisement
However, instead of Jiang’s political legacy, I would like to focus on his (in)famous criticism of a Hong Kong journalist over a question he disliked: “too simple, sometimes naive”. He told the gathered journalists to “raise your level of knowledge”, that it was not enough to travel the world and run the fastest.
Jiang’s remark was prophetic of the quality of the news media today. Globally, amid political polarisation, there is growing distrust of the news media. Although the intrusion of politics is partly to blame, a media ecosystem that strives to gain views with eye-catching headlines also renders readers more opinionated but less informed.
Advertisement
For example, Apple Daily, founded by Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, was known for its gossipy reporting style and paparazzi tactics. It gained readers but was also taken to court for libel and infringement of privacy. The tabloid-style newspaper adopted a clear pro-opposition editorial stance, particularly evident during the anti-extradition bill protests.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x