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German Chancellor Calls for Press Freedom in China

DW StaffAugust 28, 2007

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for more press freedom and better human rights situation in China. Before speaking at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on the second day of her visit to Beijing she met with four journalists who have been critical of the government.

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Mrs. Merkel at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing
Mrs. Merkel at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in BeijingImage: picture-alliance/ dpa

Besides being on a busy schedule, Mrs. Merkel on Tuesday dedicated a full hour to meet with four critical journalists. A clear indication that human rights and freedom of press are at the top of Merkel’s agenda. The Chinese journalist Li Datong was deeply impressed by the German chancellor:

“Chancellor Merkel was very well informed about the situation in China. There was no need to explain everything in detail. That proves that Mrs. Merkel’s interest in China’s democratic process, in improving the human rights situation and guaranteeing the freedom of the press here is genuine.”

Li Datong was the editor-in-chief of a major supplement of the China Youth Daily. He was fired two years ago after publishing critical reports which weren’t in line with official government policy. Since then Li can’t work in China anymore: “I can’t get a job anywhere; they don’t allow me to do my own writing. Now I’m researching on my own. But my texts can only be published outside of China.”

Importance of human rights

After meeting the journalists Mrs. Merkel delivered a speech at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing. Once again she stressed the importance of human rights. The academy is one of the most important think tanks of the Chinese government and is very influential. Merkel appealed to Beijing to act in its own interest, especially as China will be scrutinized like never before.

In her speech Mrs. Merkel also emphasised how important it was for China to find a solution to global challenges like climate change. She offered to provide technical assistance from Germany so that China could tackle its environmental problems, but certain rules would apply: “If we provide technology to China we also have to make sure that the intellectual property – on which this technology is based – will be protected.”

Understanding China

The German chancellor displayed her understanding for the problems China is facing. She stressed China’s efforts in the international arena -- like China’s commitment to the nuclear talks with North Korea. But she also pointed out that China’s rapid economic growth means that it must take on more responsibility in the world.

After her speech in Beijing, Merkel headed to Nanjing to open a unique three year image and culture campaign on Germany across China.

On Wednesday Merkel flies on to Tokyo.