Chinese pronunciation of Obama: "Ao-ba-ma" or "Ou-ba-ma"?

In today’s international press review, we look at Barack Obama’s first official visit to Asia.

IN THE PAPERS

By Aurore Cloe DUPUIS

The US President Barack Obama has made most front pages in China this morning.

The China Daily says Obama is likely to cooperate more than any of his predecessors.

George Bush for example, criticized China for its currency rate and Bill Clinton

questioned Human Rights there. According to the paper, it seems China is ready to build new relations with the US thanks to Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reports about the pronunciation of Obama’s name in Chinese.

Until now, Chinese media have always pronounced it AO-BA-MA. But the US embassy has now decided to change it to OU-BA-MA, saying it sounds more accurate.

This has caused outrage in China because the new pronunciation, is the same as the one used in Taiwan.

Obama is expected to give a decision, on whether to send more troops to Afghanistan, on his return from Asia.

The LA Times says “Obama must rethink rethinking Afghanistan”. According to the paper, Obama is taking too long to make up his mind.

His “indecision” is also portrayed in a cartoon in the International Herald Tribune.

In other news, the Guardian talks about growing calls to end the death penalty. The paper reports from Texas, where most executions occur.

And finally in football, the Irish Independent tries to “cheer up” its team after it lost against France in the first leg of the World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday.

The second leg will take place on Wednesday. Egypt is also expected to play against Algeria on that day. The Algerian newspaper Al Watan accuses its opponent of being “a bad loser”.

02/03/2010 - IN THE PAPERS

Who is the Panchen Lama?

The Independent in the UK takes a look at Beijing’s bid to usurp the Dalai Lama in the person of 20-year-old Gyaltsen Norbu – the so-called Panchen Lama. TUESDAY, 2nd MARCH, 2010

02/03/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

“Flooding catastrophe could have been avoided”

With 51 deaths registered in France following a violent storm this past weekend, the French papers are asking what could have been done to avoid catastrophe. TUESDAY, 2nd MARCH, 2010

01/03/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

Britain finds inspiration in Vancouver for 2012 Olympics

Obscure sports such as ski-cross at the Vancouver Games have pulled in up to 4 million viewers in the UK. The Guardian looks at how the London Olympics could make sports such as BMX racing and handball similarly attractive in 2012. MONDAY, 1st MARCH, 2010

01/03/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

Western France hit by deadly storm

All of the French papers lead with Xynthia, the storm that crossed Europe this weekend leaving a trail of destruction, in particular in Western France. MONDAY, 1st MARCH, 2010