Editorials

Mishandling a mishap

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-13 08:17

Editor's note: The accident at Great Barrier Reef caused by a Chinese coal ship is strongly criticized by Australian media and politicians. Although their anger and blame may cater to the needs of its domestic politics, they do little to solve problems.

The world we live in is not perfect.

When misfortunes hit us and an accident occurs, experience shows that a calm mind and timely action are needed to deal with the situation.

However, Australian responses to the grounding of a Chinese coal ship that occurred off Queensland shores on April 3 may prove that "common knowledge" can be naive. In less than two weeks after the accident, we have been exposed to a whole spectrum of Australian sentiments including worry, exaggeration, anger and blame over the incident.

The Australian side did carry out timely rescue work and ensure the safety of the crew. But these efforts have been overshadowed by the blunt words from its media and politicians.

It is understandable that worries arise over the possible ecological damage caused by the accident on the Great Barrier Reef, where the unfortunate ship went aground and leaked a small amount of its fuel oil.

We Chinese also hate to see the world's most extensive coral reef under the threat of pollution. In fact, we have always been concerned about the future of the Great Barrier Reef. The media already revealed human activities and global warming may cause irreversible damage to the reefs in the near future.

Nonetheless, it is an exaggeration to call the vessel "an environmental time bomb" as reported. We understand anger and blame may cater to the needs of Australian domestic politics. But this will do little to solve things.

Whatever the responsibilities the Chinese ship may shoulder in the mishap, we hope the crew will be treated in a civilized way and that the accident is dealt with in a fair and objective manner.

(China Daily 04/13/2010 page8)