- WED
- Nov 13, 2013
- Updated: 11:00am
Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, struck the Philippines in November 2013 with winds of up to 190 mph (305 kph). At least 10,000 people died in one Philippine province alone.
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Chinese daily accuses Manila of ingratitude over $100,000 typhoon donation
Global Times says Beijing might be the loser if it didn't offer help for storm victims, while Guangdong daily recalls Manila's 'provocations'
PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 12 November, 2013, 11:37pm
UPDATED : Wednesday, 13 November, 2013, 10:28am
A child, one of the survivors who was evacuated from the disaster zone, is carried into a military truck with her family after they arrive via a military plane in Manila. Photo: Reuters
China should help victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in spite of tensions between the two countries, according to a state-run newspaper. But another accused the Philippines of being ungrateful, a day after the Chinese government announced it would give US$100,000 in emergency aid and the Red Cross Society of China pledged to donate the same amount in emergency humanitarian aid.
"If China gives meagre aid to the Philippines this time, our own losses may well outweigh the losses inflicted upon them by insufficient aid," the Beijing-based Global Times said in an editorial yesterday.
The newspaper added that it was in China's interest to show generosity to a neighbour in need and that providing humanitarian aid to the victims was not in conflict with defending China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Video: Grim search for bodies goes on in Philippines
Haiyan is feared to have killed more than 10,000 in the Philippines. It also struck southern China and Vietnam, with seven deaths recorded in Hainan and Guangxi and 14 in Vietnam.
It is no surprise nowadays for Chinese official media to diverge from each other
In contrast to the Global Times, Southern Daily, the official newspaper of Guangdong province and one that tends to be more open-minded, published an editorial on the same day entitled "China never short of 'love' for the Philippines".
The article said territorial disputes and unresolved grievances arising from the 2010 hostage crisis involving a Hong Kong tour bus in Manila did not affect China's love for the Philippines. As evidence, it pointed to the immediate condolences extended by Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-ying, as well as the city's participation in disaster relief efforts.
"The Chinese government and people have never begrudged 'love' for the Philippines, but the Philippines is obviously not content or even appreciating China's 'love', only expecting 'more love' from China," the article said. It went on to cite a series of "provocations harming the Chinese people's feelings", such as refusal to apologise over the hostage crisis.
Guo Zhongshi, head of the department of journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University, said: "It is no surprise nowadays for Chinese official media to diverge from or openly contradict each other." Guo said it would be hard to tell whether it was coincidence that the two editorials conveying different messages came out on the same day. But "they are not to be taken at face value as evidence of two different camps regarding Chinese foreign policy towards the Philippines".
Du Ping, a commentator for Hong Kong-based private broadcaster Phoenix TV, said on air: "China should show sympathy and support even though Philippine President Aquino considers China an enemy." But he added: "China should not try too hard in making a gesture of generosity, or have any false expectation that hefty aid to the Philippines would repair bilateral ties in any way."
The US$100,000 the Chinese government has offered is not only dwarfed by other countries' pledges but is also modest compared to China's own record of humanitarian aid to the Philippines before relations deteriorated this year. In December 2011, China provided US$1 million after Severe Tropical Storm Washi killed hundreds in the Philippines.
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Ungrateful or deserving? Mainland media split on aid
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sheila.tagaroNov 13th 2013
10:46am
10:46am
Regardless of reports, comments trust me the Filipino people are grateful to whatever help that comes in for the victims of TY Yolanda, in any form of help. Truly, we are really grateful to the world. THANK YOU.
scmp04Nov 13th 2013
10:18am
10:18am
Q. What noise does a bird make when it flies over China?
A. "Cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap........"
A. "Cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap........"
******Nov 13th 2013
10:18am
10:18am
I think 100,000 usd is too much. nobody want to give a **** to this kind of **** country. simutaneously, this **** country can ask help from their Papa Sam uncle and concubine ****!
by the way, any smiling photo of their president in recent days, it is very charming!
by the way, any smiling photo of their president in recent days, it is very charming!
******Nov 13th 2013
9:16am
9:16am
China is no stranger to natural catastrophes. They should know better. Instead they embarrass themselves yet again with this pathetic sum. At the same time people in the government will lament what went wrong in their own society that there is so little compassion. Just look at yourselves!
chuchu59Nov 13th 2013
9:18am
9:18am
Its a calamity for God's sake. I wish people would stop be so calculating during these times. Offer what the country can in terms of money, food supplies and rescue services. Previous disputes need not be put to the fore now. Even if some Filipinos said something perceived to be ungrateful we should take it in its stride cos during these times their anguish may lead them to speak something irrational. Forgive and forget.
fsk999Nov 13th 2013
8:43am
8:43am
HK$800,000 from China!!!
160 million from the USA, 120 million from the UK. 80 million from Japan...
160 million from the USA, 120 million from the UK. 80 million from Japan...
tamarichardNov 13th 2013
8:39am
8:39am
China.... an $8.2 TRILLION dollar economy... pledges US$100k? Seriously?
Pathetic. Shame on them.... they should be embarassed.
Pathetic. Shame on them.... they should be embarassed.
******Nov 13th 2013
6:06am
6:06am
HKer has already called for a truce for the time being. HKer are not going to rub salt into the Filipinos wounds. We are human beings not PRC Chinese Zombies. You don't expect returns in helping another human beings in distress.
"China never short of 'love' for the Philippines".??? my foot. Hinagisan lang tayo ng barya. No thanks, China, Keep them.
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