Even CNN can see the truth

The year 2008 will be remembered with mixed feelings by the Chinese, not only because of the coming Beijing Olympics and the many crises in the run-up to the event, but also because of the totally different reactions of the Western world toward China. Through these reactions, they have come to know how much they are divided and how much they could have in common, says a commentary of Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:

Just a few weeks ago, China was fiercely attacked by those who did not have the slightest idea about the truth of the secessionist riot in Tibet. The nation's feelings were offended as it watched a wheelchair-bound woman torchbearer being attacked by those who sought to sabotage the Olympic torch relay.

During more than 30 years of reform and opening-up, China has been reaching out to the world through extensive engagement. But what happened in the last few months made the average Chinese wonder how the Western world can be so opinionated as to interpret riots, arson and murder as "peaceful protests" by and the government's action against these as a "crackdown".