rgeczi,
i am surprised you are surprised..
or, actually, that you are
still outraged!
and i emphasized still, because i think i remember you lived a long time in china and you know the country and the situation here pretty well.
so, for people from the outside it is normal to be shocked, outraged and disgusted by the demands of apologies.. but, i admit, to me sounded like the normal and expected reaction from the local government!
please, don't misunderstand me!! i of course do not agree with chinese demands!! the opposite! but i am far from being surprised or outraged..
anymore!!!
just think what happened a month ago in Chengdu: if the police officer had not got out of the american embassy, what do you think chinese gov. would have asked US?
i'd like to remind you a "similar story" that happened in Italy, this time not involving China, but that put strength between Italy and USA: given i do support the independence fight of Kurdistan (for personal reasons, and several close friendships), on a general base i would also
always avoid extradition of a criminal to a country where there is death penalty (Turkey or US!). The story brought afterwards the filing of several asylum requests of Kurdish people in Italy, and that made Turkey go nuts!
So, what about US reactions to Italian attitude of giving asylum to Ocalan? True, "the man" now in China is not an active "violent" fighter, but the ground is similar, and even if i do hate violence at any level, i would as well give "hospitality" to the Kurdish leader instead of let US and Turkey government having their way!
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/world/kurdish-rebel-leader-who-is-wanted-by-turkey-leaves-italy.htmlOf course, Italy is more sensible to US pressure than China.... but this i do not take it as a good thing!
back to your story, no, i was not shocked.. but then again, i am probably a cynical old b@st@rd that has read and seen too much sh*t to be surprised by this..
and still in china too few people, better, too few people among the ones that count, that has a weight in decision making are pushing for a change... but i agree, it will happen!! it must happen or the country will collapse!
more and more university students during english corners start asking me about unfiltered news and how to get them..
the time is coming my friend!