CHINA, JOURNALISM AND THE STATE SERIES: Thinking Over Zhao Yan’s Case
[See the Series Introduction -- From the Editors]
By Julia Zhu
I am really upset by what the government has done to the journalists Zhao Yan and Shi Tao, etc. According to the information I can find, our new political leaders seem to be adopting harsh measures on the journalism sector, especially on its coverage of an increasingly long list of sensitive issues. However, what really caused our government to charge Zhao Yan is unknown.
If it does accuse Mr. Zhao of providing state secrets to foreigners due to the article published in The New York Times reporting an offer by Mr. Jiang to retire two weeks before the leadership change was announced, as many people have guessed, then this act seems ridiculous to me for two reasons: First, the authorities of The New York Times have claimed many times that Mr. Zhao was not the source of the story; second, the article did not expose a serious issue threatening our country's security, though it did have something to do with our government's future plans. Actually I think its content was more an assumption than a declaration of fact on Mr. Jiang's retirement.
What the real problem with the article was that it touched on the issue of a power struggle inside the party. Such cases, especially when they happen continuously, are, of course, not pleasant phenomena. The historical conflict between the media and government is clearly demonstrated here: Journalists are obligated to play the watchdog role, while government, to maintain its rule and reputation over the society, is going to try to avoid being criticized.
One teacher in our university told us that no matter which country, there is this inevitable clash between the government and the press. In the fierce conflict between the interests of journalists and the interests of governments, it is always the journalists' side that is hurt; the only difference among countries is the degree of hurt.
China, as the facts show, is an inescapable example of this. Then, since this is the undeniable reality, every journalist needs to be on alert; that is, he or she must pursue the truth bravely, as this is their sacred obligation, but to be well informed on the ways to protect themselves while doing so.
This can be done either through the law or by technical reporting methods. Pressmen should acquire the ability, and it is also what we journalists-to-be have to learn. Moreover, Zhao Yan, no matter whether he is involved in leaking state secrets or not, is a national hero. Loving his country so much, though he knew it might be dangerous, he didn't hesitate to challenge authority and expose defects in the government when he discovered them.
As a Chinese journalist-to-be, I know that's what I should possess: bravery and enthusiasm. And I also know that there is something I should be aware of: Though media will never defeat government, it can make a difference by waking the public up to reality. This is the most important duty of the press.
As I understand it, among the different models of expression and speech, China belongs to the communist or state one, in which press controls are in the lap of government. Theoretically speaking, this model intends the press to speak for ordinary citizens and workers so that the government can be enlightened and the media can serve the common goals of the state. It calls for press and government cooperation.
Judging from the present reality, the system in China is far from perfect and allows for no delay in change. As Chinese, we are obligated to make a difference, every one of us.
By Julia Zhu
I am really upset by what the government has done to the journalists Zhao Yan and Shi Tao, etc. According to the information I can find, our new political leaders seem to be adopting harsh measures on the journalism sector, especially on its coverage of an increasingly long list of sensitive issues. However, what really caused our government to charge Zhao Yan is unknown.
If it does accuse Mr. Zhao of providing state secrets to foreigners due to the article published in The New York Times reporting an offer by Mr. Jiang to retire two weeks before the leadership change was announced, as many people have guessed, then this act seems ridiculous to me for two reasons: First, the authorities of The New York Times have claimed many times that Mr. Zhao was not the source of the story; second, the article did not expose a serious issue threatening our country's security, though it did have something to do with our government's future plans. Actually I think its content was more an assumption than a declaration of fact on Mr. Jiang's retirement.
What the real problem with the article was that it touched on the issue of a power struggle inside the party. Such cases, especially when they happen continuously, are, of course, not pleasant phenomena. The historical conflict between the media and government is clearly demonstrated here: Journalists are obligated to play the watchdog role, while government, to maintain its rule and reputation over the society, is going to try to avoid being criticized.
One teacher in our university told us that no matter which country, there is this inevitable clash between the government and the press. In the fierce conflict between the interests of journalists and the interests of governments, it is always the journalists' side that is hurt; the only difference among countries is the degree of hurt.
China, as the facts show, is an inescapable example of this. Then, since this is the undeniable reality, every journalist needs to be on alert; that is, he or she must pursue the truth bravely, as this is their sacred obligation, but to be well informed on the ways to protect themselves while doing so.
This can be done either through the law or by technical reporting methods. Pressmen should acquire the ability, and it is also what we journalists-to-be have to learn. Moreover, Zhao Yan, no matter whether he is involved in leaking state secrets or not, is a national hero. Loving his country so much, though he knew it might be dangerous, he didn't hesitate to challenge authority and expose defects in the government when he discovered them.
As a Chinese journalist-to-be, I know that's what I should possess: bravery and enthusiasm. And I also know that there is something I should be aware of: Though media will never defeat government, it can make a difference by waking the public up to reality. This is the most important duty of the press.
As I understand it, among the different models of expression and speech, China belongs to the communist or state one, in which press controls are in the lap of government. Theoretically speaking, this model intends the press to speak for ordinary citizens and workers so that the government can be enlightened and the media can serve the common goals of the state. It calls for press and government cooperation.
Judging from the present reality, the system in China is far from perfect and allows for no delay in change. As Chinese, we are obligated to make a difference, every one of us.
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