STEVEN SPIELBERG - CHINA VS. SPIELBERG

People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, has denounced Steven Spielberg's decision to withdraw as artistic consultant to the Olympic Games over China's policies regarding Darfur and the Sudan. Using far harsher language than that expressed by Chinese officials last week, the newspaper said in an editorial that Spielberg, whom it referred to only as "a certain Western director," had been "childish" and "naïve" with "an over-the-top act that defies common sense. Perhaps that's just the special temperament of Hollywood figures." The blast at Spielberg came one day after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that he is working with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to find ways to help resolve the Darfur issue. He pointed out that his country was the first nation outside of Africa to send peacekeepers to Darfur. He criticized Western countries for doing little to encourage leaders of rebel groups in Sudan to participate in peace negotiations -- pointing out that many of them live in exile abroad, particularly in Paris. He suggested that "unbridled pressure" from critics would only complicate the situation, thereby encouraging the rebel leaders to stay away from the conference table. For his part, Brown praised China for its efforts in resolving the issue and condemned calls for an Olympics boycott. Over the weekend Guangming Daily said in an editorial that Spielberg had broken a promise to contribute to the Olympics and "knows nothing about the great efforts the Chinese government has made on Darfur."

20/02/2008