The American press won because they took the initiative from the start of the event; that is to say, they not only maximized their influence, but also worked with the government.

Their strategy is simple, but practical: Dramatize the political issues. The situation would have been worsened if the press, the American press in particular, had instead focused on suspected security threats and Russia's hostility. It would have been difficult for the two sides to resolve the issue.

However, the US press was clever enough to draw attention to the face of "Spy Beauty" Anna Chapman and her private life. Chapman, who has been compared to Jennifer Aniston, soared to fame because of the US press. The Obama administration wanted to treat the swap with discretion, and the press indeed did it a big favor.

The US press killed two birds with one stone. It helped the government simplify what could have been a tough issue, while grabbing plenty of spotlight.

In a sense, our Chinese press has learned a lesson from the American press. When it comes to the escalating conflict between two sides, the press is more useful as entertainment, and it can play an active role to distract attention and dilute the conflict. Meanwhile, it should stick to reporting issues involving national interest. It is only though this process that we will bridge the gap between the American press and the Chinese press, and gain respect from the public, the government and even the international community.

Honestly speaking, the American press's reputation is not merely given by others; rather, it is earned through painstaking effort. The way in which the American press earns success is the same as the nation wins its power in the world.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/node_7077605.htm

(The article was translated by Xue Rui.)