Most Chinese bash U.S.-led attack against Libya, while others amused at the bashing

On March 17, the United Nations Security Council imposed a no-fly zone over Libya and authorized “all necessary measures” to protect Libyan civilians from military attacks. On March 19, British, French and the U.S. forces initiated Operation “Odyssey Dawn” by firing missiles and launching air strikes at Libya. IFENG, official site of Hongkong-based pro-Beijing Phoenix TV conducted an online poll. Until 3:30 p.m. of March 20, among 181,001 net users polled, over 70 percent object to the Western military action against Libya.

English translation of the poll:

1, Do you support the military action against Libya unleashed by Western countries, including France, Britain and the United States?

A, Yes. Gaddafi has used military forces to attack his own people. The international community must put an end to the manmade disaster. (43,485 votes; 24%)

B, Yes. The Western coalition forces’ action is authorized by the United Nations. (4,530 votes; 2.5%)

C, No. U.S., Britain and France have double standard. They turned a blind eye to protesters in Yemen and Bahrain, and even backed crackdown. (107,253 votes; 59.3%)

D, No. Both Gaddafi and rebels disregard the no-fly zone. French, Britain and the U.S. use humanitarianism as an excuse to hurt civilians. (22,059 votes; 12.2%)

E, That’s hard to say.  (3,636 votes; 2.0%)

2, What do you think is the purpose of the Western countries’ military action against the Libyan government?

A, To protect Libyan rebels and civilians who are now being attacked by Gaddafi. (38,910 votes; 21.5%)

B, To reap profit from oil in Libya in the future. (134,268 votes; 74.2%)

C, To respond to public opinion against Gaddafi at home; they are stuck in the middle and have to attack (Libya). (5,509 votes; 3.0%)

D, Other. (2,282 votes; 1.3%)

Besides, amidst crisis in Libya, France, contrary to its usual stance, becomes the first country to acknowledge the opposition armed forces and took the initiative to launch the air strike. What contributes to French role as a pioneer? 34.8% of netizens polled think it’s the result of factors within France, “France is in the face of the election year. Sarkozy hopes to garner votes by this.” 33.2% showed their understanding, believing that it’s because France is relatively close to Libya and conventionally has its interests in North Africa. The rest 26.4% think it’s all about a country in decline taking advantage of the opportunity to curry favor by claptrap.