China denies tensions following calls for “Jasmine” uprisings on net
08 Mar 2011
Dismissing suggestions of tensions in the country following anonymous internet postings calling for Arab-style "Jasmine" uprisings as well police carrying out harassment of foreign journalists, China's foreign minister, Yang Jiechi told reporters at a news conference, that he had not noticed any signs of tension.
"What I have seen is that the Chinese people had a joyful Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. Now we are busy doing our work, focusing our attention on pursuing domestic development," he said.
The widespread uprisings in the Arab world have rattled Chinese authorities who have placed restrictions on foreign journalists attempting to follow proposed public protests listed anonymously on internet.
Yang added the no foreign reporters had been roughed up by the police during their movement to cover listed protests. He told the media persons that they should abide by Chinese laws and regulations while reporting activities in the country.
"China is a country under the rule of law, and we abide by the law. We have always followed relevant laws and regulations in managing the affairs related to foreign journalists in China," he said.
When he was asked about allegations that some foreign journalists had been beaten up in Beijing and Shanghai, the foreign minister said "there are no such issues."
"We don't want to see anyone make something out of thin air," Yang said. He acknowledged though that the road ahead would not be smooth for China.
Meanwhile, sources say there is an undercurrent of tension at this year's National People's Congress following calls on the internet for China to stage Middle East-style protests. The police are said to be keeping a close eye on dissidents and activists.
