China elevates the New York Times

.
China has paid the New York Times the ultimate compliment by blocking Internet access to both the English and Chinese versions of the news empire.

The springboard for this compliment was an NYT story that said Premier Wen Jiabao's family members had amassed billions in profits as a (implicit) result of their relationship with the premier.

"Some reports smear China and have ulterior motives," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

The Times reported that Wen's family members "have controlled assets worth at least $2.7 billion" and that many of the family members' control is hidden behind layers of partnerships and investment vehicles.

In China, as elsewhere, it may be OK if something is true, but reporting what is true can receive a less-than-cordial welcome.
.