China backs N. Korea on sinking of the Cheonan near border

East-Asia-Intel ^ | 7/12/2010 | East-Asia-Intel

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Beijing is approaching the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan with caution to avoid damaging its relations with its fraternal communist neighbor North Korea, U.S. officials say.

In this April 24, 2010 file photo, a giant offshore crane salvages the bow section of the South Korean naval ship Cheonan off Baengnyeong Island, South Korea. AP/Yonhap, Choi Jae-Ku

Chinese President Hu Jintao offered sympathetic remarks on the sinking of the Cheonan during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak at the opening of the Shanghai World Expo. But Chinese state-run media did not report Hu's comments.

According to non-Chinese press reports, Hu offered "condolences and consolation to the victims of the Cheonan and their families" and noted the ongoing "scientific and objective" investigation into the cause of the incident.

On April 25, China’s official state television channel CCTV-4 broadcast a report featuring China Academy of Social Sciences scholar Piao Jianyi. He said if results point to an "external explosion," it "could come from either North or South Korea.” Many observers Piao's comments indicate Beijing's continued favoritism toward North Korea.

Piao also said the location of the sinking was “very complex” and that mines had been deployed by both sides. "Hard evidence must be provided given the sensitivity of the issue,” he said. China frequently uses such commentators to bolster its policies while making it seem they are independent voices.

[tet68]

China frequently uses such commentators to bolster its policies while making it seem they are independent voices.

Hmmmm, where have I seen that before?

[Razzz42]

China, whadda country.

[wiggen]

Now we know why Kim went there recently.