In Yale Global Online, Paul Mooney makes the link between press freedom and the safety of China’s exports:
As lead exporter in many types of products, China takes pride in serving as factory to the world. But a spate of tainted products and recalls involving goods made in China gives many global consumers pause. China’s reaction includes denials, scapegoating and even the fast execution of one government official accused of taking bribes to allow production of shoddy goods. But the government has also employed Western public-relations specialists. “Spin,” or official interpretations designed to shape public opinion, won’t solve China’s problems or alleviate public concerns, warns journalist Paul Mooney. Tragically, China’s authoritarian government prohibits notice about dangerous products to Chinese consumers who suffer the consequences unaware. Chinese regulators and factory managers must learn to resist multinational demands for low-cost supplies. But public trust – among Chinese and global consumers – will be possible only when independent Chinese media are allowed to investigate and report without restriction. [Full text]
[Image: For Western cameras, Chinese security agents examine labels of suspected products, via Yale Global]
