Last night on CCTV (Central China TV) China’s Foreign Ministry once again denounced CNN commentator Jack Cafferty by name, as well as CNN, for slandering China. This happened on an English-language news broadcast at 9pmET. Last week, Cafferty said of the Chinese goverment, “I think they’re basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they’ve been for the last 50 years.”
On Monday he clarified his comments: “I was referring to the Chinese government, and not to Chinese people or to Chinese-Americans,” Cafferty said on the Situation Room.
CCTV.com is running special reports on the coverage with stories headlined, “China once again solemnly urges CNN’s sincere apology” and “CNN’s malicious attack.”
This morning, CNN spokesperson Christa Robinson reiterated CNN’s stand on the issue. “CNN is a network that reports the news in an objective and balanced fashion. However, as part of our coverage we also employ commentators who provide robust opinions that generate debate.”
CCTV and CCTV.com are run by China’s central government.