China's Response to Disaster: A Pattern of Deception

Strategic Insights -

China's handling of disasters has a disturbing consistency, evident in its response to both man-made and natural catastrophes since 1949. When disaster strikes, Beijing's initial approach is to maintain a total silence, with newspapers, television, and even foreign correspondents being told to "await instructions" or face various forms of obstruction. This has been the case with plane crashes, where meager facts emerge grudgingly and only if there are foreign passengers. Even natural calamities like floods and earthquakes are kept invisible for as long as possible, with the official story focusing on the "splendid" behavior of emergency services.

Key Takeaways:

  • China maintains a total silence in the face of disasters, with newspapers and television adhering to "instructions" from the government.
  • Foreign correspondents who ask about a disaster are often told "no" or that the situation is unclear, and may face threats, warnings, and even expulsion.
  • Details about the cause of a crash or disaster are scarce, and investigations often yield little or no information.
  • Even natural calamities are subject to censorship, with the official narrative focusing on the response efforts rather than the actual disaster.
  • The Chinese government considers it a criminal offense to mention a disaster that it considers awkward, and those who reveal information may face harassment, sedition charges, and prison.
  • The pattern of deception in China's response to disasters dates back to the early 20th century, with leaders like Lenin and subsequent Communist leaders following a similar approach.
  • Examples of China's response to disasters include the Kursk submarine tragedy, the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, the 1989 Tiananmen Square killings, and numerous plane crashes.

Statistics:

  • At least four Russian-built Kilo-class submarines are currently operational in China.
  • China has experienced numerous plane crashes over the years, with many hi-jackings and subsequent crashes still shrouded in mystery.
  • The 1976 Tangshan earthquake resulted in significant social disorder, but 10 years elapsed before accounts began to emerge.
  • The 1989 Tiananmen Square killings saw numerous eyewitnesses being denied any form of compensation, and the event remains forbidden to discuss.
  • China's censorship policies have led to an estimated 2.5 billion words being censored in 2010 alone.

Sources:

  • International Herald Tribune, "Communique on the Death of Premier Zhou" cited in the article.
  • The author of the article, a London-based China specialist, is not specified in the original text.