China Youth published an article titled “The Flu Wreaks Havoc, but the U.S. Media Pretend They Haven’t Seen it” on May 15, 2009. The report said that U.S. media covered little about the influenza A(H1N1) flu, also called swine flu, though U.S. has already confirmed more than 3,500 infection cases. It criticized U.S. media for using a double standard in its reporting: it has extensive coverage and follow-ups for SARS when it was spreading in Asia, but kept quiet about swine flu when it is in the U.S. in the fear of hurting travel business and tourism and creating public anxiety. [1] [Editor’s Note: In 2003, China was criticized by the international community for covering up the SARS epidemic in China and providing unreliable information to WHO staff who went to China to monitor the spread of the disease.]
The Epoch Times reported on May 20, 2009, according to insider information from China’s security system, Chinese media have been providing intensive coverage of A[H1N1] flu to Chinese. The exaggerated reports of the U.S. and other countries’ “swine flu epidemics" make many in China feel that other countries are in great danger. On the surface it is for public health, the underlying reason is to use it as an excuse to declare a state of emergency in case there is a sudden event beyond the CCP’s control. This year is the most challenging year for the CCP, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the CCP persecuting Falun Gong, the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre, the 50th anniversary of Dalai Lama leaving Tibet, and 60th anniversary of the CCP’s rule in China. [2]
Source:
[1] China Youth, May 15, 2009
http://zqb.cyol.com/content/2009-05/15/content_2667711.htm
[2] Epoch Times, May 20, 2009
http://epochtimes.com/gb/9/5/20/n2532456.htm