On November 11th, a car accident occurred at the Zhuhai Sports Center in Guangdong, resulting in at least 35 deaths and 43 injuries. The incident took place on the eve of the “China International Aerospace Exhibition” in the city. According to online sources, the sports center is located just across the street from the Zhuhai Intermediate Court. Following the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang issued instructions for officials nationwide to calm community disputes, but related information was promptly suppressed.
On the night of the 12th, BBC reporters in China went to the scene to report on the incident and were blocked by an unidentified Chinese man. The encounter was captured in a video that went viral overseas, sparking discussion and concern.
A video uploaded late on the 12th by BBC News showed their correspondent, Stephen McDonell, reporting from the scene. While McDonell was discussing the basic details of the case to the camera, a middle-aged man suddenly intruded, questioning McDonell’s credentials and demanding that he stop filming. Despite attempts to evade the man’s interference, McDonell was pushed away and threatened with police action. The man, claiming authority as a Chinese citizen on Chinese soil, continued to disrupt the reporting.
The video, shared on international streaming platforms, has stirred up debate. Many overseas Chinese have expressed support for the British journalist standing up for the truth in the face of Chinese interference. Some pointed out the man’s actions resembled those of plainclothes enforcement officers, showing a lack of concern for the tragedy and a focus on controlling the narrative.
Netizens commended the courage of the journalist and his team in facing the challenges presented by the Chinese authorities. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom and transparency in China, where unfortunate events are often met with censorship and suppression of information. The bravery of journalists in reporting such incidents despite obstacles deserves recognition and support from the international community.