Doesn't surprise me.

Not just the Anglophone media. Le Figaro, the Frankfurter Allgemeine, Asahi Shimbun, and every single online South Korean newspaper I could find all lead with the story of the North Korean missile launch.

The characterization of North Korean missile technology as "second rate" begs the question, "Second rate compared to what?" Apparently, the North Korean's have produced a multi-stage rocket capable of delivering a 1,000kg payload several thousands of kilometers. Over the years, the North Koreans have found no shortage of interested buyers of their second rate technology - e.g. Pakistan, Iran and Yemen. It seems to me that second-rate is still pretty good - and dangerous. In the end, the North Koreans have proven fairly adept at solving problems associated with the two most difficult aspects of any nuclear weapons program - the production of fissile material and a reliable delivery system. Not bad for "second rate."

I agree that Xinhua's coverage is pathetic. But how is that news?

Stinky:

I don't think Xinhua's coverage is pathetic: what else could the darlings do?

Jeremy, I'm curious: Are you as blase about NK's second rate nuclear weapons? I do think the media is over-the-top about most of their capabilities. The defense analysts I've known actually refer to NK's US missile strike capability as the "golfball of death," so clearly there's a discrepancy between actual and perceived threat in the media. But as far as things go in the world, it was a pretty big event. Why is defense-related news so ridiculous to you?

When someone only reads Anglophone media, he can only report that Anglophone media published something, and have no idea what the rest of the world did.

Jeremy:

I know you're all working under the GAPP now but don't make it so obvious. Stop defending them!! lol

Seriously though, I don't see what's wrong with that report. Anyone care to elaborate why it's pathetic?

Sean:

I have edited the "Pretty pathetic" opening to this post because answering your question made me clarify my thoughts:

What I intended to suggest is that the whole affair seems like a big game to me, a distraction from more important matters that G20 leaders and the world's media should be worrying about.

ALRIGHT I read the dispatch twice, anyone care to explain why it's pathetic or "wrong" ?

"How should Xinhua respond to the the unpredictable actions (and unpredictable rockets) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a Chinese ally and general good bloke when it comes to standing up to arrogant Europeans and Americans?"---JEREMY GOLDKORN

They should respond the same way the western media is covering the situation---with the truth.

North Korea is run by a crazy madman. Arrogance it is not. Opinion maybe, but is the leader of that place anything short of insane?

If you like North Korea so much why don't you go there and join the Current reporters. If they are such good "blokes" as you say why not let those two dudes go home?

Sure you can use big words like "Anglophone"...why don't you just admit that like the president of Brazil, you too hate whitey.

You are a smart man Mr. Goldkorn and assume you are just saying this ridiculous nonsense so people comment on this and Danwei's site gets more of an audience. Brilliant!!!! It worked.