Chinese Journalists Criticize NY Times for Attacking Shen Yun

In a recent critique of The New York Times' coverage of Shen Yun and Falun Gong, journalist Helen Chen accused the publication of siding with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while failing to condemn its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Chen highlighted that the report was riddled with logical fallacies and selectively included negative comments from only a fraction of the 25 former Shen Yun performers interviewed, neglecting the perspectives of current performers and omitting responses that countered the negative claims. Zhao Lanjian, a former investigative journalist now in exile in the U.S., also weighed in on the controversy, asserting that the NY Times perpetuates outdated CCP propaganda, particularly the narrative that Falun Gong practitioners refuse medical treatment. Zhao, known for his impactful reporting on human rights abuses in China, criticized the article for lacking a balanced view and for echoing the CCP's longstanding tropes. Political commentator Hu Ping responded to the NY Times report by referencing an article he wrote 23 years ago, which addressed the medical treatment of Falun Gong practitioners. He pointed out that the claim regarding Shen Yun performers not receiving treatment for injuries is misleading, questioning whether any ballet company has never dealt with injuries among its dancers. Overall, the backlash against The New York Times underscores a broader concern regarding media narratives surrounding Falun Gong and the CCP's ongoing repression, with critics arguing that the publication's stance undermines the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance that Falun Gong espouses.