Beijing, Aug 11 (IANS): A Chinese newspaper Wednesday pulled up British authorities for calling rioters in London "thugs" while lauding those in revolt in Third World countries as defenders of democracy.

"British Prime Minister David Cameron said he would not be restrained by phony human rights concerns, and he was prepared to use rubber bullets and water guns against the rioters," a commentary in China Daily said.

"He also referred to the youngsters who were rioting as thugs, criminals and so on."

The world should examine Cameron's words very carefully, it said.

"When a Third World country was faced with a riot or insurrection, the British and other Western governments always supported the rioters and rebels, and (called them) as defenders of democracy and human rights."

It went on: "It seems odd that the British government would label their own people as thugs and gangsters when they used no guns during the riots, and yet label the rebels in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen as freedom fighters, despite their widespread use of guns and other dangerous weapons."

The commentary followed widespread rioting and arson in London and other places since Aug 6 following the shooting of a man by police. Three Asians have died in the violence.