China denies anti-foreigner trend after TV host's comments

A prominent host of state-run CCTV has created a furore asking police to "clean out the foreign trash" by arresting "foreign thugs" that invoked angry reactions from foreign professionals here forcing China to deny on Thursday any anti-foreigner trend in the country. "The Chinese government welcomes foreigners from all walks of life to come to China, and will offer various conveniences for their living and working, and protect their legitimate rights and interests," foreign ministry spokesperson, Hong Lei said replying to a question from a Chinese journalist. The opening-up policy will continue and the country's society is inclusive and harmonious, Hong said urging foreigners in China to abide by Chinese laws and regulations, and respect the culture and customs. His response came after Managing Editor of English CCTV, Yang Rui wrote in his blog few days ago that "Public Security Bureau wants to clean out the foreign trash: To arrest foreign thugs and protect innocent girls. Cut off the foreign snake heads." "People who can't find jobs in the US and Europe come to China to grab our money, engage in human trafficking and spread deceitful lies to encourage emigration," he wrote. His angry outburst against foreigners came as the Chinese officials announced a new crackdown to check the credentials of foreigners staying in China on the ground that several over stayed endangering the job market and law and order. Many foreigners called for sacking Yang for his comments asserting that any such comment by a TV host elsewhere would have resulted in public outrage. Yang said his comments were reaction to few incidents involving foreigners. A drunk British tourist tried to molest a Chinese girl in a busy street here. He was thrashed by public and handed over to police. A Russian musician who tried to create a scene a train stretching his legs on to the front seat was sacked by Beijing Symphony Orchestra which employed him. Official media came to Yang’s rescue defending him saying that "Yang’s comments were insensitive but he should not be sacked". "We think Yang's wording was too harsh. He only stressed the problems of illegal immigrants in China without mentioning the contributions other foreigners have made to the country", a write up in state run Global Times said. "As the host of an English-language program, Yang is expected to be more cautious in posting his online messages when presenting his views concerning foreigners in China and avoid expressing them too harshly?, it said.