Chinese diplomat complains of Swiss prejudice

The Chinese ambassador to Bern, Dong Jinyi, has complained of prejudice against China in Swiss media coverage before the Olympic Games.

In an interview with the Sunday newspaper Sonntag, Jinyi said that the Swiss media did not know the reality in China, which is why their contributions gave a “false image” of China.

“It’s a pity,” he commented. According to the ambassador the Chinese authorities welcome constructive criticism but “they cannot accept the media twisting the facts”.

Jinyi described relations between Switzerland and China as “very stable” and he said that little disagreements could not affect the ties between Bern and Beijing.

“Switzerland should understand that China’s first priority is to ensure the primary needs of its citizens… We have a long way to go before we reach the standard of living of the Swiss population.”

On the subject of the visit to Switzerland of the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, planned for October, the ambassador said he hoped the authorities would not offer him a platform for “his separatist activities”.