German broadcaster suspends Chinese worker

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Thursday urged the news media to report with objectivity and fairness, after being asked to comment on the suspension of a Chinese journalist by a major German broadcaster.

Zhang Danhong [Xinhua Photo]

Qin was speaking in response to a journalist's question concerning a Zhang Danhong's suspension from her post at international broadcaster Deutsche Welle due to her remarks showing friendliness toward China.

Qin told a regular news conference he noticed the reports concerning Zhang, and knew of previous reports by Zhang.

"The media should adhere to the principles of objectivity and justice when covering news," Qin said.

Berliner Zeitung, a German daily newspaper, reported on Aug. 22 that Zhang, deputy director of Deutsche Welle's Chinese department, was suspended from duty.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)