New Chinese English paper launches

Hoping to increase its global news presence, the Chinese government has launched a new English language newspaper, The Global Times. An editorial in the first edition claims it “strive[s] to reveal a complete and true picture” of China, but the paper is published by state-owned People’s Daily. The cover story may say it all; “Chinese call for stronger naval presence” according to 81.7 percent of Chinese polled online who want to see a blue-water navy. The launch came at the start of celebrations for Chinese navy’s 60th anniversary, and over a month after a confrontation between US Navy ship and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea which brought up issues of territorial sovereignty (See: China-US Military Relations Challenged). Without any details, the article claims “experts are also dismissing foreign speculation about China’s intent” to build a strong navy to settle maritime disputes. While unlikely, it remains to be seen if this new publication will push any boundaries in the Chinese media.

Just another media mouthpiece