Chinese seethe on Web over rare riots in Tibet

By Sophie Taylor

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's carefully controlled media may have remained largely silent on the unrest in Tibet, but a look at Chinese blogs reveals a vitriolic outpouring of anger and nationalism directed against Tibetans and the West.

China -- which routinely censors its news to avoid stoking popular sentiment -- has less of a stranglehold over what is posted online, and over 200 million enthusiastic Internet users.

On Saturday, a rash of angry blog posts appeared after China confirmed deaths in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, and U.S. actor Richard Gere called for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics should the authorities mishandle the protests.

"Westerners think they know all about China, telling us that this, that and the other is bad," wrote one blogger, who listed historical reasons justifying Tibet's inclusion as part of China.

"Most foreigners have been brainwashed as far as this issue is concerned," assented another user.

Other blogs were virulently nationalistic.

"If you behave well, we'll protect your culture and benefits," said one blogger, addressing Tibetans in China.

"If you behave badly, we'll still take care of your culture ... by putting it in a museum. I believe in the Han (Chinese) people!"