That Word Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means

Confusion over the meaning of words strikes the Chinese Communist Party:

“When Tibet is returning to normal, the timely announcement of reopening Tibet is a very important progress. If you all wish to go to Tibet, it is open again. I believe foreign journalists will be able to apply for their trip to Tibet as in the past,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. Tibet had been kept out of bounds for foreign journalists after the March 14 Lhasa riots.

Liu, however, warned journalists that there could be “some uncertainties in the local situation” and urged them to cooperate with local authorities during their travel.

The word “open” does not mean what you think it means. When journalists have to apply for permission to visit Tibet, it’s not open.