Interference by Chinese Authorities

Statement by New Tang Dynasty Television On Interference by Chinese Authorities

January 26, 2007

Chinese diplomatic officials and state organs have recently circulated messages defaming New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) and the Chinese New Year Spectacular we produce. In a systematic campaign of slander, intimidation and interference, these Chinese officials and diplomatic missions have pressured event sponsors and advertisers, performers and venue operators, foreign host governments and V.I.P.s, and anyone they believe to be supporting or related to the event. Chinese officials accredited to foreign countries, including the United States, continue to interfere blatantly with the business of a U.S.-based and chartered corporation, and with the promotion of this annual Chinese New Year celebration. In response, NTDTV has issued the following statement:

1. NTDTV is an independent television broadcaster that was established by overseas Chinese in 2001. Since its inception, NTDTV has striven to provide professionally-produced news, high-quality entertainment and cultural events to Chinese communities worldwide. NTDTV’s leadership role in independent Chinese-language media has been widely recognized and strongly supported by viewers, Chinese communities, international press freedom groups, ethnic media associations, non-governmental and community groups, the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, and countless civic and political leaders across the U.S., Canada and many other countries.

2. As a news organization, NTDTV has a responsibility to report on issues affecting the welfare and interests of Chinese people everywhere. We do our best to serve our growing audience in Chinese communities around the world. We report on newsworthy events and we foster open debate on many issues. We take this responsibility seriously, especially given the Chinese authorities’ relentless repression of free media at home and their increasing efforts to limit the free flow of information internationally. NTDTV has repeatedly been required to defend our rights to conduct normal reporting and business operations in the U.S. and elsewhere -- while Beijing instructs its officials to suppress the same rights among ethnic Chinese and non-Chinese abroad which these officials learned to suppress at home.

3. As a producer and organizer of cultural events, NTDTV, and all those who participate in these events, work tirelessly to present authentic Chinese culture, including valued traditions, legends and beliefs, to Chinese and Western audiences alike. With support from our audiences and sponsors, NTDTV’s Chinese New Year Spectacular has become the largest cultural performance celebrating the Chinese New Year around the world.

In the 2007 Chinese New Year Spectacular, the dance “Rightful Place” depicts the story of a young female Falun Gong practitioner who is persecuted for her beliefs. The dance exemplifies traditional Chinese values, including the historically respected characteristics of unbending loyalty and faithfulness, and the belief that “good deeds are rewarded and evil deeds have consequences.” NTDTV stands by this piece for its relevant content and level of artistry. This subject matter is greatly disliked by the Chinese authorities; it is part of the performance because it is very much part of contemporary Chinese reality.

4. NTDTV regrets that even in major democratic countries including the United States, Chinese officials abuse their diplomatic position to interfere with free press, free association and free commerce. These same officials and most Chinese companies heavily rely on the rule of law, information transparency, private contract and market access of the democratic world. NTDTV also regrets that the name of the Chinese nation and people has once again been tarnished by officials who export such anti-democratic practices, rather than follow the highest Chinese traditions of openness and tolerance.