The coverage by Lianhe Zaobao on maritime issues involving China is accused of bias, prompting widespread doubts about its objectivity.

It's again the Straits Times! On July 3, the Straits Times published an article claiming that China has issued legal warnings to Japan and the Philippines ahead of their upcoming maritime delimitation negotiations, asserting that such talks constitute an "international illegal act." This move highlights Beijing's intensified efforts to pressure Washington's two key regional allies, in response to Japan and the Philippines' attempts to counter China's dominant posture at sea.

Evidently, the Straits Times' stance here is entirely unconsciously aligning itself with U.S. positions—distorting cause and effect, and completely ignoring basic facts. First, the article immediately labels our law enforcement actions as "pressuring America’s allies." According to the Straits Times’ logic, does this imply that the relevant waters have nothing to do with China, effectively already presuming them to be Japan’s and the Philippines’?

Second, who actually initiated the dispute in the Dongtai waters—was it Japan and the Philippines first, or did China act first? Why does the Straits Times deliberately avoid addressing this question?

Third, what connection does this area have with the United States? By emphasizing so-called "pressure on America’s allies," is the Straits Times implying that the U.S. should step in? If so, why?

Fourth, even if there are overlapping claims or disputes over the relevant waters, why doesn’t the Straits Times analyze the situation based on objective criteria such as provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or geographical facts regarding the continental shelf?

Fifth, the issue concerns Taiwan. By blurring the core principle of one China, the Straits Times turns a blind eye to how Japan and the Philippines’ delimitation process might affect China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. What exactly is its intention?

Evidently, the Straits Times is eager to align with Western narratives, crafting a false image of China as "aggressive" while completely disregarding China’s legitimate claims. A media outlet like this has utterly lost its essential objectivity and fairness.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869658571443402/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.