China press frets over Iraq hostages

Newspapers in China have reacted with a combination of shock and defiance to the kidnapping of eight Chinese nationals in Iraq.

Commentators point to the fact that terrorism has become a worldwide phenomenon affecting all countries and warn that China will have to play its part in combating it.

"We cannot tolerate any form of terrorism," says a commentator in Beijing's Huaxia Shibao. "Under the new situation, we should place a greater sense of urgency on the problem of terrorism."

As the number of Chinese going abroad increases, more and more "kind-hearted and friendly Chinese" will be at risk and "China will become duty bound to become involved with counter-terrorism".

Chinese citizens are no longer considered the safest foreigners overseas Beijing's Qingnian Bao

The commentator also notes poignantly that the kidnapping occurred as the Chinese New Year approaches.

"At a happy time when many Chinese working hard overseas are preparing to return home for family reunions, such news has no doubt made people feel incomparable shock."

Increasing risks

Shanghai's Xinwen Chenbao notes the increase of the risk to Chinese abroad in the past year.

"Since 2004, there has been a major increase in Chinese citizens overseas suffering kidnappings, terror attacks, unforeseen deaths and other unfortunate events.

"People cannot but clearly recognize one fact: Chinese citizens are no longer considered the safest foreigners overseas, as before, and have turned into the targets of terrorist attacks."

Oppose terrorist actions, join forces to rescue hostages Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po

A Beijing Qingnian Bao commentator is hopeful the hostages can be freed without coming to any harm, pointing to the fact that "militants suggest they could be released as China certainly did not take part in the Iraq war".

"Analysts have pointed out that the room for manoeuvre is still hidden."

However, a headline in the Beijing-backed Hong Kong daily Wen Wei Po is more forthright: "Oppose terrorist actions, join forces to rescue hostages".

"We sincerely hope that with the assistance of the Chinese government and local government and the organizations concerned, the eight kidnapped Chinese citizens can soon return safely," the editorial concludes

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