My Take | Be fair to China at this difficult time
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is not in Beijing’s pocket, he’s only trying to make it do the right thing
For many people, the default mode of dealing with China is to criticise and condemn. Often, the country and its leadership deserve it. Sometimes, though, to quote the immortal words of Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven, “deserve’s got nothin’ to do with it”.
Even in areas where Beijing may be doing something right, those who recognise and praise it are accused of being too close to the Chinese. Their integrity is questioned because they are not automatically critical or condemnatory.
That’s how some American and British politicians, pundits and human rights groups have rounded on Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organisation, for praising China and the leadership of President Xi Jinping not once but twice. It’s hard to think there isn’t a hint of racism, because he is Ethiopian.
China’s credibility on the line as it tries to dispel cover-up fears
He is not under Chinese influence or in their pocket; he is doing his job. A priority for the WHO is to convince Beijing to let in an advance medical team to work in the Chinese hot zones. You think criticising Xi and pointing out all his government’s faults will help the organisation’s case?
