The Epoch Times
Oct 19, 2009
By Ye Pei and Fu Ming

FRANKFURT—The Frankfurt International Book Fair in Germany opened amid controversy on Oct. 14. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) invested 5 million euros in the event, drawing criticism from several Chinese intellectuals who deem the action as the communist regime’s new attempt to disguise itself and deceive the international community.

A Sound of Hope Radio reporter interviewed Jiao Guobiao, a former professor of journalism and communication at Peking University in China, and Zhu Xinxin, a former editor of the Chinese Hebei People’s Radio and a member of Independent Chinese PEN Club, regarding the CCP’s participation in the event.

“The regime has changed its strategy in recent years. From television to radio, they are very eager to expand internationally. By investing a lot of money, they hope to bring the regime’s ideology, after some cultural repackaging, into the international community in order to glorify the Party’s image,” Zhu said.

“It is simply another tactic, but I don’t think its nature has changed. The amount of deception and danger has simply increased. I say this because those of us in China know the actual situation and have deep personal experiences. People in the international community don’t understand China. If they only hear the official voice and see the official display of the Chinese regime, they can be easily deceived.”

Professor Jiao stated that the regime’s grand spending and large delegation do not make the average Chinese citizen feel proud. He compared the CCP’s attempt to show off to “those large demonstration events in North Korea, or the so-called troop parade in China … or the election of Saddam Hussein when he received 100 percent of the votes.

“It [The Chinese Communist Party] thought these methods would bring it honor and could validate the legitimacy of its rule. In actuality, these actions brought it shame and disgrace. This shows how far away it is from the mainstream culture and the truly civilized world,” Jiao said.   more …