Hong Kong action hero
Jackie Chan has once again provoked criticism, this time from an
American blogger, after suggesting on Chinese television that the US is
the "most corrupt" country in the world.
"When you talk about corruption, the whole world, is there corruption
in the United States? The most corrupt in the world!" the Rush Hour
star, who has made headlines recently for his controversial views, told
Phoenix TV last month.
Chan reaffirmed his view after the show's host questioned him -- "Of
course! Where did the great breakdown come from? The world, the United
States started it," Chan said, referring to the financial crisis and
gesticulating as he spoke.
His comments were rebuked Thursday by Max Fisher, a foreign affairs
blogger for the Washington Post, who called them "anti-American"
rhetoric that was rooted in China's insecurity.
"To the degree that Chan's comments were anti-American, they likewise
reflect a common Chinese view of the United States, one that is rooted
not just in attitudes toward America but in China's proud but sometimes
insecure view of itself," Fisher said.
Jackie Chan also said China is a relatively young country, where in
the first half of its history it was "bullied by so many people", and
that it only achieved "real success" in the past decade.
"Our country's leaders admit they are corrupted, etcetera. We are
improving -- I can see our country is constantly improving and
learning," he said, adding that everyone is making an issue out of China
because it is "powerful" now.
Chan, who is known for his martial arts skills and daring stunt work,
sparked criticism in Hong Kong, which was returned to China in 1997,
after he reportedly told a Chinese magazine last December that protest
in the city should be restricted.
In the same interview, he said that he was bullied by Hong Kong
triads and had to hide in the United States. He also said he needed to
carry a gun everyday to protect himself, leading to a police
investigation. – AFP
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