11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government continued to control print, broadcast, and electronic media tightly ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22850]

"The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press, although the government generally did not respect these rights in practice. The government interpreted the CCP's "leading role," as mandated in the constitution, as superseding and circumscribing these rights. The government continued to control print, broadcast, and electronic media tightly and used them to propagate government views and CCP ideology. Some controls tightened during the year, and it was increasingly difficult to express views that differed from the official line through broadcast media and in print. All media were expected to abide by censorship guidelines issued by the party. Media outlets received regular guidance from the Central Propaganda Department, which listed topics that should not be covered, including politically sensitive topics. During the year propaganda officials issued new guidelines restricting media coverage of an additional 20 topics, including judicial corruption and campaigns by legal rights defenders. These measures greatly restricted the freedom of journalists and Internet writers to report the news and led to a high degree of self-censorship."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government monitored gatherings of intellectuals, scholars, and dissidents where political or sensitive issues were discussed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22851]

"So long as the speaker did not publish views that challenged the CCP or disseminate such views to overseas audiences, the range of permissible topics for private speech continued to expand. Political topics could be discussed privately and in small groups without punishment, and minor criticisms of the government were common topics of daily speech. However, public speeches, academic discussions, and speeches at meetings or in public forums covered by the media remained circumscribed. The government also frequently monitored gatherings of intellectuals, scholars, and dissidents where political or sensitive issues were discussed. Those who aired views that disagreed with the government's position on controversial topics or disseminated such views to an overseas audience risked punishment ranging from disciplinary action at government work units to police interrogation and detention."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

International media were not allowed to operate freely and faced heavy restrictions ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22853]

"The Central Propaganda Department continued to list subjects that were off limits to the domestic media, and the government maintained authority to approve all programming. Nearly all print media, broadcast media, and book publishers were owned by, or affiliated with, the CCP or a government agency. There were a small number of privately owned print publications, but no privately owned television or radio stations. International media were not allowed to operate freely and faced heavy restrictions."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government continued to target publications that contained political information and restricted reporting on politically sensitive topics ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23076]

"The government continued to target publications that contained political information and restricted reporting on politically sensitive topics. During the first three months of the year, authorities confiscated nearly 400,000 copies of publications deemed to have harmed social stability, endangered state security, or incited ethnic separatism. In July Beijing PSB officials shut down the China Development Brief, an online journal that served as an information clearing house for NGOs and reported on social and civil society developments. In June security officials investigated the Chengdu Evening News after it ran an advertisement saluting the mothers of victims of the June 4 Tiananmen crackdown. The investigation determined that a young employee unfamiliar with June 4 history mistakenly allowed the advertisement to run."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Officials continued to censor, ban, and sanction reporting on labor, health, environmental crises, and industrial accidents ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23078]

"Officials continued to censor, ban, and sanction reporting on labor, health, environmental crises, and industrial accidents. On August 15, authorities in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, reportedly ordered an environmental protection Web site to remove posted articles about environmental activist Wu Lihong. Chinese media stated that Wu had been sentenced the week before to three years' imprisonment on charges of fraud and extortion, though foreign media reported that the sentence was retribution for his work exposing the pollution of Tai Lake. In August authorities interfered with reporting a mine disaster in Xintai, Shandong Province, by preventing journalists from interviewing the victims' relatives and urging the media to emphasize efforts to rescue trapped miners.
Several reports of food safety incidents surfaced, including a July story in which a Beijing television station reported that a street vendor substituted chemically treated cardboard for pork in its products. The government later announced that the story was false and sentenced the reporter to one year in jail. In August the General Administration of Press and Publications (GAAP) launched a campaign to stamp out illegal news coverage and "false news." In November an emergency response law went into effect that punishes media organs for mistakes made in reporting natural disasters and emergencies, as well as government efforts to handle them, if they fail to obtain prior authorization to report. Journalists expressed concern that the measures were intended to further restrict press freedom. On November 12, the government-run English language newspaper China Daily reported that the government would, in preparation for the 2008 Olympics, compile a database of foreign journalists, ostensibly to combat the phenomenon of "fake journalists" posing as reporters to extort money. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later denied that such a database existed."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Only government-approved publishing houses were permitted to print books ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23079]

"By law, only government-approved publishing houses were permitted to print books. The State Press and Publications Administration (PPA) controlled all licenses to publish. No newspaper, periodical, book, audio, video, or electronic publication may be printed or distributed without the PPA and relevant provincial publishing authorities' approval of both the printer and distributor. Individuals who attempted to publish without government approval faced imprisonment, fines, confiscation of their books, and other sanctions. The charge that Guo Feixiong conducted "illegal business activity" reportedly resulted from his publication of a book, Shenyang's Political Earthquake, without government approval. The CCP exerted control over the publishing industry by preemptively classifying certain topics as off limits. Underground printing houses were targets of periodic campaigns to stop all illegal publications, including pornography and pirated computer software and audiovisual products. Many intellectuals and scholars exercised self-censorship, anticipating that books or papers on political topics would be deemed too sensitive to be published. The censorship process for private and government media also increasingly relied on self-censorship and, in a few cases, post-publication sanctions."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Authorities continued to jam, with varying degrees of success, Chinese-, Uighur-, and Tibetan-language broadcasts of foreign news ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23081]

"The authorities continued to jam, with varying degrees of success, Chinese-, Uighur-, and Tibetan-language broadcasts of the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA), and the BBC. English-language broadcasts on VOA generally were not jammed. Government jamming of RFA and BBC appeared to be more frequent and effective. Internet distribution of "streaming radio" news and "podcasts" from these sources often was blocked. Despite jamming overseas broadcasts, VOA, BBC, RFA, Deutsche Welle, and Radio France International had a large audience, including rights advocates, ordinary citizens, and government officials.
Television broadcasts of foreign news, largely restricted to hotels and foreign residence compounds, were occasionally subject to censorship. Politically sensitive coverage in Chinese, and to a lesser extent in English, was censored more than coverage in other languages. "Public service announcements" frequently interrupted news items critical of the government, particularly in the south, where television programming from Hong Kong was available. In July China reportedly initiated a crackdown against local cable television systems that were illegally receiving the Hong Kong-based news station Phoenix TV via satellite. Prior to the crackdown, an estimated 200 million citizens had access to the television station. The government prohibited some foreign and domestic films from appearing in the country when they were deemed to touch upon sensitive themes."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Internet regulators reportedly ordered the country's leading search engine operators to delete all "harmful information." ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23144]

"The China Internet Network Information Center reported that at the end of the year the number of Internet users increased to 210 million, 78 percent of whom had broadband access to the Internet. There were 53 million Internet users in rural areas, more than double the number in 2006. While the government took steps to monitor Internet use, control content, restrict information, and punish those who violated regulations, these measures were not universally effective. A large number of Internet users used proxy servers to access banned content. During the year political dissidents successfully used Internet instant messaging technology to hold large-scale, virtual meetings. In January President Hu Jintao called for purifying the Internet environment and stated that the CCP's ability to control the Internet is a matter affecting state stability. In the lead-up to the 17th Communist Party Congress in October, Internet regulators reportedly ordered the country's leading search engine operators, including Google, Baidu, Yahoo, Sina, and Sogou, to delete all "harmful information." Restrictions aimed at increasing government control over the Internet included stricter Web site registration requirements, enhanced official control of online content, and an expanded definition of illegal online content. All Web sites are required to be licensed by, or registered with, the Ministry of Information Industry (MII)."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

All major portals and online forums were monitored by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), reportedly as part of a campaign against online pornography ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23145]

"The MPS, which monitors the Internet under guidance from the Central Propaganda Department, employs thousands of people at the national, provincial, and local levels to police electronic communications. According to news reports, by the end of June all major portals and online forums were monitored by MPS, reportedly as part of a campaign against online pornography. Beijing public security officials unveiled cartoon police officers that popped up on Internet users' screens to warn them to stay away from forbidden Web sites. Operators of Web portals, blog hosting services, and other content providers engaged in significant self-censorship to ensure their servers were free from politically sensitive content."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government consistently blocked access to sites it deemed controversial ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23146]

"The government consistently blocked access to sites it deemed controversial, such as sites discussing Taiwan and Tibetan independence, underground religious and spiritual organizations, democracy activists, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre. The government also at times blocked access to selected sites operated by major foreign news outlets, health organizations, foreign governments, and educational institutions. According to news reports, between April and September, the MPS shut down 18,400 illegal Web sites; 8,808 for carrying pornographic content and another 9,593 because they were unregistered."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Number of blocked and censored sites increased around major political events and sensitive dates ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23147]

"The number of blocked and censored sites increased around major political events and sensitive dates, particularly during the period leading up to the October 17th Communist Party Congress. The authorities employed more sophisticated technology enabling selective blocking of specific content rather than entire Web sites. Such technology also was used to block e-mails containing sensitive content. Individuals using the Internet in public libraries were required to register using their national identity card. Internet usage reportedly was monitored at all terminals in public libraries."

Document(s): Open document

10.10.2007 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Public access to government information, at least on paper, has improved, but major obstacles to government transparency remain ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 21297]

see report for further details

"Over the last five years, public access to government  information, at least on paper, has improved, but major  obstacles to government transparency remain, reflecting the  Communist Party's overarching concern that it maintain control  over the flow of information. In 2007, the government passed  China's first national ``freedom of information'' regulation,  but it remains subject to a ``state secrets''  exception that gives the government broad latitude to withhold  information. The Party and government continue to maintain  tight control over the press, and the prospects for a free  press remain dim. While foreign reporters in theory were  granted some increased press freedom in accordance with  promises China made in 2001 as part of its successful bid to  host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, China continues to use  upcoming important events such as the Party's 17th Congress in  October 2007, and corruption among Chinese reporters, as a  pretext for increased restrictions on domestic media. The lack  of a free press to monitor the government leaves citizens  poorly informed about major problems and unable to fully  investigate the root causes of such problems and the extent to  which the Party or the government should be held accountable."

Document(s): Open document

10.10.2007 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Government's licensing scheme for print media does not conform to international standards for freedom of the press ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 21318]

see report for further details

"The Chinese government's licensing scheme for print media154 that has remained in place over the last five years does not conform to international standards for freedom of the press.155 An individual who wishes to publish a book, newspaper, or magazine may not do so on their own, but must do so through a publisher that has been licensed by the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP).156 The GAPP requires that to obtain a license, publishers must have a government sponsor and meet minimum financial requirements.157 Every book, newspaper, and magazine must have a unique serial number, and the GAPP maintains exclusive control over the distribution of these numbers.158 GAPP officials have explicitly linked the allotment of book numbers to the political orientation of publishers. [...]
Publishers and writers must serve the Communist Party's interests. Long Xinmin said in October 2006 while he was director of GAPP that press and publishing departments must ``insist on the unwavering guiding position'' of Marxism and the Party.163 In November, President Hu Jintao told writers that the Party hoped that ``each would make their own contribution to building a harmonious society.'' 164 In March 2007, Long Xinmin said that press and publishing industries must ``firmly grasp the correct guidance of public opinion and create a good public opinion environment'' for the Party's 17th Congress and ``harmonious society'' policy."

Document(s): Open document

10.10.2007 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Government continues to target publications that contain political and religious information and opinions with which the government disagrees ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 21319]

see report for further details

"The government continues to target publications that contain political and religious information and opinions with which the government disagrees or for simply not having a license to publish. Between 2002 and 2006, public security officials in China confiscated 590 million ``illegal publications.'' 166 Many of the publications are targeted for violating intellectual property rights or containing pornographic content, but in 2004, for example, public officials confiscated hundreds of thousands of copies of publications solely because of their political content. In 2005, officials seized 996,000 copies of ``illegal political publications.'' During a two-month period in 2006, officials seized 303,000 copies of ``illegal publications'' deemed to have harmed social stability, endangered state security, or incited ethnic separatism.167 During that same period, officials confiscated 616,000 unauthorized newspapers and periodicals.168 In February 2007, a GAPP official explained that a crackdown on ``illegal political publications,'' including those that ``attacked the Party's leaders,'' ``slandered the socialist system,'' or concerned Falun Gong, would be a major focus of the ongoing Sweep Away Pornography and Strike Down Illegal Publications campaign in preparation for the Party's 17th Congress.169 [See Section II--Freedom of Religion--Religious Speech for more information on restrictions on religious publications.] In the first three months of 2007 alone, authorities confiscated 357,000 copies of publications deemed to have harmed social stability, endangered state security, or incited ethnic separatism."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom of speech on topics deemed politically sensitive remains severely limited; journalists who do not adhere to party dictates on news content are harassed, fired, or jailed ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20399]

"Under the constitution, Chinese citizens enjoy freedoms of speech, press, assembly, association, and demonstration. Although freedom of expression continues to expand in the private realm, freedom of speech on topics deemed politically sensitive by the CCP remains severely limited. The tightly controlled media are barred from criticizing senior leaders or their policies. Journalists who do not adhere to party dictates on news content are harassed, fired, or jailed. In 2006, Singapore Straits Times reporter Ching Cheong, New York Times researcher Zhao Yan, and Bijie Daily reporter Li Yuanlong were imprisoned. In addition, a number of 2005 regulations—requiring publishers to refrain from reprinting books of questionable political correctness and allowing the confiscation of banned books; restricting popular access to foreign films and television programs; and encouraging the media to engage in self-censorship—were put into effect in 2006. A draft Emergency Management Law issued in July 2006 contained provisions for imposing heavy fines on Chinese and foreign journalists who report on natural disasters, accidents, health hazards, and social disturbances without government approval. New regulations in September 2006 gave Xinhua, China’s official news agency, the authority to censor and regulate the content produced by foreign news agencies serving mainland subscribers, and the power to revoke agencies’ licenses to operate, drawing widespread criticism from press freedom advocates and foreign governments."

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Government continues to crack down on the internet and monitor personal communications ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20400]

"The government continues to crack down on the internet and monitor personal communications. China regularly blocks websites it deems politically threatening and detains those responsible for posting objectionable content; cyber-dissident Zan Aizong was arrested in August 2006. Foreign internet companies continue to cooperate with the Chinese government on censorship enforcement. In 2005, the U.S.-based firm Yahoo! provided information leading to the conviction of Hunan journalist Shi Tao, who was accused of leaking state secrets. Following the closure of over a quarter of China’s 573,755 websites in July 2005, after their operators failed to register at the Ministry of Information Industry, 7 more popular websites were shut down in July 2006, including “Century China” and the online chat forum of “Life Week” magazine. The government continues to strengthen regulations aimed at enhancing control over the internet and restricting internet news sites, web logs, and cellular telephone text-messaging, which is also subject to monitoring by the government. International radio and television broadcasts, including Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), are still jammed."

Document(s): Open document

31.05.2007 - Source: Human Rights in China

Increased controls over magazine and periodical publications ("Monthly Brief; May 2007") [ID 20605]

"The General Administration for Press and Publications (GAPP) announced on May 23 that it will begin enforcing new rules, the Regulatory Basis for the Publication of Periodicals, in an attempt to tighten control over an estimated 9,000 weekly and monthly magazines and periodicals. The move has been interpreted as an effort to limit negative coverage before the 2008 Olympics."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Government generally did not respect freedom of speech and of the press in practice ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19083]

"The law provides for freedom of speech and of the press, although the government generally did not respect these rights in practice. The government interpreted the CCP's "leading role," as mandated in the constitution, as superseding and circumscribing these rights. The government continued to threaten, arrest, and imprison many individuals for exercising rights to free expression. Internet essayists and journalists in particular were targeted. Hunan writer Shi Tao, New York Times employee Zhao Yan, and Hong Kong-based journalist for the Singapore's Straits Times Ching Cheong remained in prison. In November Ching Cheong, who was tried in a closed hearing in August, had his appeal denied by the Beijing High People's Court. On December 19, Lu Jianhua, a former media commentator and researcher at a top state-run academic institution, was sentenced in closed proceedings to 20 years' imprisonment. Lu, who was originally detained in December 2005, was found guilty of leaking state secrets in August. The government continued to control print, broadcast, and electronic media tightly and used them to propagate government views and CCP ideology. Such controls tightened during the year, and it was increasingly difficult to express views that differed from the official line on the Internet, through broadcast media, and in print. Media outlets received regular guidance from the Central Propaganda Department, which listed topics that should not be covered, including politically sensitive topics. All media employees were under explicit orders to follow CCP directives and guide public opinion. These measures greatly restricted the freedom of journalists and Internet writers to report the news and led to a high degree of self-censorship.

So long as the speaker did not publish views that challenged the Communist Party or disseminate such views to overseas audiences, the range of permissible topics for private speech continued to grow. Political topics could be discussed privately and in small groups without punishment, and minor criticisms of the government were common topics of daily speech. However, public speeches, academic discussions, and speeches at meetings or in public forums covered by the media remained circumscribed. Those who aired views that disagreed with the government's position on controversial topics risked punishment ranging from disciplinary action at government work units to police interrogation and detention. These restrictions and more formal restrictions on freedom of the press and academic freedom had a chilling effect on freedom of speech."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Banning and confiscation of newspapers and publications ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19087]

"In 2005 the government banned dozens of newspapers and confiscated almost one million "illegal" political publications. There were a few privately funded print publications but no privately owned television or radio stations or Internet portals. The censorship process for private and government media increasingly relied on self-censorship and, in a few cases, post-publication sanctions. Nonetheless, the Central Propaganda Department continued to list areas that were off limits to media, and the government maintained authority to approve all programming. [...]

Many intellectuals and scholars exercised self-censorship, anticipating that books or papers on political topics would be deemed too sensitive to be published. Overt intervention by the PPA and the Central Propaganda Department, which provides editorial guidelines for all media, usually occurred after publication."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Television broadcasts of foreign news largely restricted ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19089]

"The authorities continued to jam, with varying degrees of success, Chinese-, Uighur-, and Tibetan-language broadcasts of the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Asia (RFA) and the BBC. English-language broadcasts on VOA generally were not jammed. Government jamming of RFA and BBC appeared to be more frequent and effective. Internet distribution of "streaming radio" news from these sources often was blocked. Despite jamming overseas broadcasts, VOA, BBC, RFA, and Radio France International had a large audience, including rights advocates, ordinary citizens, and government officials.

Television broadcasts of foreign news, largely restricted to hotels and foreign residence compounds, were occasionally subject to censorship. Politically sensitive coverage in Chinese, and to a lesser extent in English, was censored more than coverage in other languages. "Public service announcements" frequently interrupted news items critical of the government, particularly in the south, where television programming from Hong Kong was available.

The government prohibited some foreign and domestic films from appearing in the country. In September the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) imposed a five-year filmmaking ban on director Lou Ye. SARFT banned Lou from showing his film Summer Palace, which is set during the 1989 Tiananmen protests, because he failed to obtain proper authorization. In February authorities detained filmmaker and foreign resident Wu Hao after Wu arranged an interview with rights attorney Gao Zhisheng. Wu, who was filming a documentary about unregistered churches, was released in July. Earlier in the year, SARFT banned distribution and screening of Mission Impossible III, on grounds that it depicted Shanghai in an unflattering light. Other foreign films banned during the year included Brokeback Mountain, based on its depiction of homosexuality and Memoirs of a Geisha, due to the controversy over ethnic Chinese actors playing Japanese characters."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Control on political and social discourse at colleges and universities increased ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19091]

"The government did not respect academic freedom and increased controls on political and social discourse at colleges, universities, and research institutes. Scholars and researchers reported varying degrees of control regarding issues they could examine and conclusions they could draw. Law professors were warned not to propose abolition of the reeducation-through-labor system. Scholar Xu Zerong received a nine-month sentence reduction in September, but he remained in prison. Scholars studying religion reported that the official Protestant church blocked some publications it found objectionable. Authorities canceled university conferences involving foreign and domestic academics on short notice when they deemed the topics at issue to be too sensitive."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Great Firewall of China ("World Report 2007") [ID 18563]

"The “Great Firewall of China” restricts not only access to the internet, with its 123 million users in China, but also to newspapers, magazines, books, television and radio broadcasts, and film. During 2006, the Chinese government and Communist party officials moved aggressively to plug the wall’s holes and to punish transgressors. Premier Wen Jiabao justified the renewed crackdown, stating that “internet censorship is necessary to safeguard national, social and collective interests.”

Journalists, bloggers, webmasters, writers, and editors, who send news out of China or who merely debate politically sensitive ideas among themselves, face punishments ranging from sudden unemployment to long prison terms. Censors use sophisticated filters, blocking, and internet police to limit incoming information."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Global corporations continue to assist political censorship ("World Report 2007") [ID 18564]

"By their own admission, global corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, and
Skype continue to assist in the Chinese government’s system of arbitrary and
opaque political censorship in an effort to ingratiate their companies with Chinese
regulators. Yahoo! released the identity of private users to Chinese authorities,
contributing to four critics’ lengthy prison sentences. Microsoft and Google censor
searches for what they think the government considers sensitive terms."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Law on the Handling of Sudden Incidents ("World Report 2007") [ID 18565]

"China has also impeded circulation of several kinds of news events. A proposed new “Law on the Handling of Sudden Incidents” would require that journalists obtain permission before reporting news of disasters such as floods, public health emergencies, mining accidents, and public order disturbances. In September 2006, new measures mandated that foreign news agencies not sell stories directly to Chinese outlets but submit them first to Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, for clearance and subsequent distribution."

Document(s): Open document

11.2006 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Supreme People's Court announces new restrictions on news media access to information regarding court cases ("China Human Rights and Rule of Law Update (November 2006)") [ID 20009]

"Supreme People's Court (SPC) President Xiao Yang and Vice President Cao Jianming on September 12 announced new restrictions on news media access to information regarding court cases, according to a September 12 Xinhua report and a September 13 Xinhua report. The policies include a requirement that news media obtain information from court spokespersons and not interview judges and other court officials without government permission, a requirement that courts must receive government approval to make announcements in sensitive cases, and a prohibition on a court's release of certain types of information, including "any other information that a court's leaders instruct should not be released," according to the September 13 Xinhua report. Cao also called on the media to avoid, among other things, issuing commentary regarding court cases, according to the September 13 Xinhua report.

Some members of China's state-run media criticized the new policies for limiting the media's oversight of the courts, giving courts discretion to withhold information that may be of public interest but that the government deems inappropriate for release, and restricting judges' right to freedom of expression, according to a September 14 South China Morning Post (SCMP) article (subscription required), a September 14 Southern Daily editorial (in Chinese), a September 20 Beijing News editorial (in Chinese), and a September 21 Southern Weekend article (via NetEase, in Chinese). Xiao and other state-run news media, however, said the new announcement system would increase the transparency of court proceedings, lead to fairer trials, and ensure more truthful media reports, according to a September 13 report (in Chinese) on the SPC's Web site, a September 12 People's Daily article (in Chinese), and a September 13 People's Daily editorial (via Xinhua, in Chinese)."

Document(s): Open document

23.10.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Moves to ban anonymous blogging, punish “defamatory” videos ("Moves to ban anonymous blogging, punish “defamatory” videos") [ID 17952]

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Crackdown on individual journalists, newspapers and websites in China has continued ("The Olympics countdown – failing to keep human rights promises [ASA 17/046/2006]") [ID 19319]

"The crackdown on individual journalists, newspapers and websites in China has continued over the last year, raising serious doubts about China’s commitment to ensure ‘complete media freedom’ during the Beijing Olympics. These concerns were echoed recently by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China (FCCC) which published a survey on 7 August 2006 showing that the police had detained foreign journalists on at least 38 occasions over the last two years, most of whom were covering stories relating to social issues such as environmental protests, land disputes and the plight of HIV/AIDS victims. [...]

As noted above, many aspects of Chinese law and policy conflict with international human rights standards, including rights to freedom of expression. Broad and vaguely defined ‘state secrets’ and ‘subversion’ charges in the Criminal Law continue to be used to arbitrarily detain and prosecute journalists, editors and Internet users. While foreign journalists are generally detained for short periods and may face expulsion, Chinese journalists and writers often face much harsher treatment for reporting on issues deemed sensitive by the authorities. [...]

Over the last year, the Chinese authorities have intensified their controls over media outlets, including newspapers, magazines and websites. One case which gave rise to considerable concern within and outside China was the temporary closure and sacking of the editors of ‘Freezing Point’ (Bingdian), a popular supplement to the China Youth Daily, after it carried an academic article criticizing the official interpretation of certain historical events, including the 1900 Boxer Rebellion. The paper was closed down for five weeks from 24 January 2006, resuming publication only after its editor Li Datong and deputy editor, Lu Yuegang had been dismissed."

Document(s): Open document

20.09.2006 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Citizens are denied the freedoms of speech and of the press ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 17370]

see report for further details - chapter V(a)

"• Government censorship, while not total, is pervasive and highly effective, and denies Chinese citizens the freedoms of speech and of the press guaranteed to them in the Chinese Constitution. The government has imprisoned journalists who provide news to foreigners, such as Zhao Yan, Shi Tao, and Ching Cheong. Editors of publications that criticize government policies, such as Yang Bin of the Beijing News and Li Datong of the China Youth Daily, have been dismissed. The government blocks the Web sites and radio and television broadcasts of foreign news organizations, such as those of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Free Asia, and the Voice of America. In 2005, the government banned dozens of newspapers and confiscated almost one million ‘‘illegal’’ political publications. Beginning in May 2005, the government blocked the Commission’s Web site from being viewed in China.

• Modern telecommunications technologies such as the Internet, cell phones, and satellite broadcasts allow Chinese citizens access to more information sources, both state-controlled and non-state-controlled. But government restrictions on news and information media, including on these new information sources, do not conform to international human rights standards for freedom of expression. The Chinese government imposes a strict licensing scheme on news and information media that includes oversight by government agencies with discretion to grant, deny, and rescind licenses based on political and economic criteria. The Chinese government’s content-based restrictions include controls on political opinion and religious literature that are not prescribed by law, and whose primary purpose is to protect the ideological and political dominance of the Communist Party.

• The government’s restrictions on religious literature do not conform to international human rights standards. Only government-licensed printing enterprises may print religious materials, and then only with approval from both the provincial-level religious affairs bureau and the press and publication administration. In addition to confiscating religious publications, the Chinese government also has fined, detained, and imprisoned citizens for publishing, printing, and distributing religious literature without government permission. Cai Zhuohua, a house church pastor in Beijing, and two of his family members were imprisoned in 2005 for printing and giving away Bibles and other Christian literature. In Anhui province, house church pastor Wang Zaiqing was arrested in May 2006 on the same charges."

Document(s): Open document

19.09.2006 - Source: Guardian

Online survey on preferred national identity of voters published on 163.com game site of host website NetEase shut down by authorities, NetEase news editor Tang Yan and opinion editor Liu Xianghui dismissed ("Online survey axed after most reject Chinese identity") [ID 17954]

Document(s): Open document

13.09.2006 - Source: Guardian

Government announces new media restrictions; since middle of last month 100 dissidents jailed or beaten ("Civil liberties crackdown casts long shadow over Chinese leader's visit to Britain") [ID 17955]

Document(s): Open document

12.09.2006 - Source: BBC News

Foreign media must seek approval before distributing news and pictures within the country; the new regulations come amid an apparent clampdown on the media ("New China media curbs condemned") [ID 17956]

Document(s): Open document

11.09.2006 - Source: Guardian

Government imposes new regulations on distribution of news by foreign agencies, further restricting foreign access to the already tightly regulated Chinese media market ("Chinese government clamps down on foreign media") [ID 17957]

Document(s): Open document

10.08.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Western Internet companies are reportedly complicit in censoring political material; system of Internet censorship and surveillance, known as "Great Firewall", most advanced in the world ("Internet companies aid censorship") [ID 17958]

Document(s): Open document

10.08.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Report on internet censorship ("Great Firewall"; surveillance in email and webchat; Chinese and international law; keyword censorship; multinational internet companies, government and censorship) (""Race to the Bottom": Corporate Complicity in Chinese Internet Censorship") [ID 17960]

Document(s): Open document

20.07.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on the freedom of expression within the country (freedom of expression, human rights responsibilities of companies, human rights situation within the country, the role of Yahoo!, Microsoft and Google) ("Undermining freedom of expression in China [POL 30/026/2006]") [ID 17041]

Document(s): Open document

06.07.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Bill that would impose fines on news media that publish unauthorised reports in situations of crisis would also apply to foreign media, including still-free Hong Kong press, says vice-minister of the State Council’s Legislative Affairs Office ("Bill increasing censorship could apply to foreign media as well") [ID 17042]

Document(s): Open document

26.06.2006 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Draft law currently under review by country’s legislature would subject news outlets to fines for reporting on natural disasters, riots, and other emergencies without official approval ("China plans restrictions on reporting of disasters") [ID 17196]

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2006 - Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

Environmentalist seriously injured in attack after critic interview ("Umweltschützer brutal verprügelt") [ID 17062]

Document(s): Open document

13.06.2006 - Source: Guardian

Landrights activist reportedly paralysed after police beat him for ignoring police warnings not to talk with foreign journalists about impacts of the Three Gorges dam project ("China protester 'paralysed by beating'") [ID 17145]

Document(s): Open document

13.06.2006 - Source: BBC News

Campaigner for people displaced seriously injured after meeting Public Security Bureau officials last week; he is now in hospital with a broken neck and is paralysed from the shoulders down ("Three Gorges activist 'beaten up'") [ID 17146]

Document(s): Open document

02.05.2006 - Source: Guardian

Guangdong: Opposition candidate in the forefront of provincial elections followed by police and called in by police for questioning by authorities; he once got a 4-month prison term for the attempt to defend human rights ("'Some villagers are angry, but most are just afraid'") [#50506], [ID 17147]

Document(s): Open document

18.04.2006 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Unjust imprisonment of journalists and no press freedom; at least 32 journalists in jail at the end of 2005 ("Hu urged to reverse repressive media policies") [#49870], [ID 17143]

Document(s): Open document

12.04.2006 - Source: Human Rights in China

Overview of people imprisoned in connection with journalism or the Internet ("In Custody: People Imprisoned in Connection with Journalism or the Internet") [#49733], [ID 17144]

Document(s): Open document

07.04.2006 - Source: Guardian

Government imposed limit on number of foreign magazines being sold in country ("China clamps down on foreign magazines") [#48482], [ID 17152]

Document(s): Open document

07.04.2006 - Source: BBC News

Government imposes new restrictions on foreign media, forcing foreign magazines to form joint ventures with local editors ("China introduces new media curbs") [#48535], [ID 17153]

Document(s): Open document

23.02.2006 - Source: BBC News

According to former journalism professor, Communist Party's control over media is ebbing away, as more and more people are demanding more freedom of expression and resistance to old propaganda policies ("China's censored media answers back") [#44914], [ID 17148]

Document(s): Open document

23.02.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Communist Party (CCP) resorts to various suppression techniques against media; removal of noncomplying editors, financial incentives for self-censorship, compulsory "brain-washing" training sessions and closing publications ("China: Report Says Media Control Is Tightening") [#44943], [ID 17154]

Document(s): Open document

16.02.2006 - Source: Guardian

Yahoo, Cisco Systems, Microsoft and Google repeatedly accused of collusion with Chinese secret police in censoring web content and of selling out principles of democracy and free speech in US-Congress hearing ("Congress accuses Google of collusion") [#44229], [ID 3663]

Document(s): Open document

16.02.2006 - Source: BBC News

Government decided to allow the re-opening of the investigative newspaper Bingdian shut down in January 2006; editor Li Datong and deputy editor Lu Yuegang lost their jobs ("China allows newspaper to re-open") [#44318], [ID 17149]

Document(s): Open document

15.02.2006 - Source: Guardian

Retired senior officials appeal to government for more openness concerning media censorship; report includes cases of media censorship against China Youth Daily, Beijing News and the Public Interest Times ("China's old guard warns censors of 'social disaster'") [#44129], [ID 17150]

Document(s): Open document

15.02.2006 - Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Former functionaries criticise press censorship as hindering country's political development ("Kritik an der Zensur in China von ungewohnter Seite") [#44172], [ID 17151]

Document(s): Open document

06.02.2006 - Source: BBC News

Authorities closed down 76 websites and ordered another 137 to remove illegal material; no details about the contents of the websites given; authorities fined owners of 29 websites and pursue 8 criminal cases against website operators ("China shuts down piracy websites") [#43509], [ID 17180]

Document(s): Open document

02.2006 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Annual report on press freedom in 2005 ("Attacks on the Press in 2005") [#44087], [ID 3662]

Document(s): Open document

01.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Restrictions on Freedom of Expression ("World Report 2006") [#42330], [ID 17330]

"Critics have labeled China’s ever more sophisticated system of controls on the Internet the “Great Firewall of China.” More than sixty individuals were imprisoned at this writing for peaceful expression over the Internet.  
 
In early January 2005, the head of the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee signaled that controls over publishing, the Internet, and short messaging systems (SMS) would be significantly tightened to ensure social stability. In September, the Ministry of Information Industry and the State Council introduced new regulations on Internet news which prevent distribution of any uncensored version of a news event or commentary. Internet portals, e-mail systems, and SMS were all affected.  
 
More than 103 million Internet users face sophisticated filters, registration of all personal domestic websites, and personal responsibility for all content. The government closes websites without warning. In October, two Mongolian sites and Yannan, which tracked a rural protest, were shut down.  
 
Internet café users, after presenting identification, are issued user numbers which make it easy to track their web use. In February, education officials cut off hundreds of thousands of users by decreeing that only enrolled, on-site college students, using their real names, could access university Internet message boards.  
 
In an increasing number of instances, global Internet companies have been complicit in the repression, insisting they must abide by the rules and regulations of the countries in which they operate. Google does not list links to sites banned in China; certain words may not be used as titles for Microsoft blogs; and Yahoo!, which three years ago signed a Public Pledge on Self-discipline for the Chinese Internet Industry, provided information that helped Chinese authorities arrest Shi Tao (see above).  
 
New restrictions have affected traditional media. A 2005 regulation now obliges Chinese reporters not affiliated with official media outlets to secure a license, obtainable only after attending classes, passing a written examination, and submitting an essay reflecting the ideological training they received. Certain topics are taboo. In 2005, mainland journalists could not file their own stories about the death of Zhao Ziyang, former premier of China, the anti-Japanese protests, the election of a new Pope, or the incidence of bird flu in China.  
 
Chinese assistants and activists who work for or assist foreign journalists run severe risks. In October 2005, local thugs savagely beat Lu Banglie, who worked with residents of Taishi village, Guangdong province, to unseat a village chief they accused of corruption. Lu was helping a journalist from The Guardian, a British newspaper.  
 
In July 2005, the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television banned regional broadcasters from cooperating with overseas media organizations. In August, the Culture Ministry announced that new applications for licenses to import print and electronic publications would not be accepted. To ensure censorship worked, the police announced a regional system of hotlines for reporting illegal publications."

Document(s): Open document

12.10.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

U.S.: No improvement in China'S human rights; controls on political, religious, and media expressions tightened ("U.S. Sees No Improvement In China's Human Rights") [#38152], [ID 3664]

Document(s): Open document

11.10.2005 - Source: Congressional-Executive Commission on China

Increased Government Control of Political Speech ("Annual Report 2005") [#37506], [ID 3665]

see report for further details - chapter III(e)

"Chinese authorities allow government-sponsored publications to report selectively on information that, in previous decades, officials would have deemed embarrassing or threatening. Nevertheless, the Chinese government does not respect the freedom of speech and freedom of the press guaranteed in China’s Constitution.
In the past year officials have become less tolerant of public discussion that questions central government policies and have tightened restrictions on journalists, editors, and Web sites.
Chinese authorities impose strict licensing requirements on publishing, prevent citizens from accessing foreign news sources, and intimidate and imprison journalists, editors, and writers."

Document(s): Open document

26.09.2005 - Source: Guardian

State banned spreading of any news with content that is against national security and public interest; Chinese journalist and former professor given 7-year sentence for "inciting subversion" by writing articles for banned overseas news websites ("China's leaders launch smokeless war against internet and media dissent") [#37020], [ID 3666]

Document(s): Open document

09.08.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

New foreign tv channels barred; foreign media to be censored ("China To Restrict Foreign Media") [#35047], [ID 3667]

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2004 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Some 25 Chinese journalists and 62 cyberdissidents are reportedly currently imprisoned ("Reformist journalists and intellectuals punished and censored") [#27580], [ID 3668]

Document(s): Open document

03.06.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

People are still imprisoned, and are being arrested and harassed for their links with the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square ("15 years after Tiananmen, calls for justice continue and the arrests go on") [#23018], [ID 3669]

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Country Assessment - October 2003 - Freedom of Speech and the Media ("Country Report - October 2003") [#49232], [ID 3670]

"6.11. According to the constitution citizens enjoy freedom of speech and a free press. However, the government interprets the CCP's leading role as circumscribing these rights. It does not permit citizens to publish or broadcast criticism of senior leaders or opinions that contradict basic CCP doctrine: providing for a socialist state under the Party's leadership. The Law on the Protection of State Secrets gives a general and broad definition of state secrets, which includes the "secrets of political parties if they are deemed to affect the security and interests of the state." Since the affairs of the CCP are intricately linked to those of the state, this effectively bans public reporting or debate of any political issue that the CCP authorities decide should not be disclosed.

6.12. Overall, the Chinese publishing industry has grown by approximately 25 per cent in the period 1995 to 1999. China is also undergoing a communications revolution and despite government controls, information is flowing into China at an increasing rate. The use of short wave radio is unrestricted and the Chinese language broadcasts of the BBC and Voice of America are widely listened to. Access to satellite television broadcasts is spreading and most sites on the Internet are accessible. China has announced curbs on electronic media designed to block pornography and other forms of spiritual pollution. [2b] In January 1999, Lin Hai was sentenced to 2 years in prison for "inciting subversion of state power". He had supplied a US-based dissident magazine with 30,000 mainland e-mail addresses. [10q] In October 2000, the PRC brought in tight regulation of Internet development. The regulations limit international investment, requiring strict surveillance against 'subversive' content and have powers to close down unlicensed firms.

6.13. In December 2000, the extradition laws and laws on Internet usage and regulation were brought in. It is now an offence under the Criminal Code to hack into government, defence and business sites. Likewise, to create and promulgate computer viruses. Special police units have been set up and trained to monitor Internet content.

6.14. On 21 July 2003, the official news agency (Xinhua) reported that the PRC had 68 million Internet users, 8.9 million of which used a broadband connection. This compares to 22.5 million in 2001. The Internet is increasingly important as a source of news and information within the PRC. [9gag.][9gah.] 6.15. In September 2003, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) announced plans to relax controls on state television making it easier for private companies to produce programmes independently of their state “partners”. Censors will still have a power of veto over which programmes can be shown.

6.16. In August 2001, Internet entrepreneur, Huang Qi, was sentenced to 5 years in prison after being convicted of plotting to overthrow the government. [20bo.] He was charged with posting subversive material on China's democracy movement, Xinjiang nationalist movements and the Falun Gong. [4nh] Falun Gong has been seen to be an Internet phenomenon, with its philosophy and its persecution accessible on a global front: PRC propaganda has developed an Internet twist. Many people in PRC, it is reported, are annoyed with the Falun Gong as their casual interest has lead to aggressive emailing by Falun Dafa.

6.17. In June 1998, US President Clinton made a nine-day tour of China. During his visit, he was given three opportunities to speak directly to the Chinese public through television and radio broadcasts. In February 2002, US President Bush visited China, but was given limited and partial coverage in news reports within PRC. During the visit, there was also included the arrest then release of 47 elderly Christians who sought President Bush's support over the enforced closure of their church / nursing home complex.

6.18. In 1999, President Jiang Zemin (1993 - 2003) ordered senior officials to step up ideological vigilance and keep a tight grip on the media and other channels of mass communication. New regulations about websites came into effect in October 1999, primarily banning links to foreign news services, but these have been flouted since December 1999. Censorship of websites appears to be inconsistent, though some Internet service providers practice self-censorship.

6.19. Academics have been under increased pressure to conform, as part of an ideological campaign in April 2000, resulting so far in four dismissals of senior academics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. [4gi] The Party is keen to step up it's ideological campaign in universities and colleges, seeking to "reform the political loyalty" of the younger generation of college heads and principal academics.

6.20. On 18 September 2003, Chinese nationalists collected 1,120,000 signatures (using the Internet) on a partition calling on the Japanese government to compensate the victims of chemical-weapons left behind by the Japanese army at the end of WW2."

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2003 - Source: BBC News

Sichuan province: Li Zhi, local official, arrested for voicing dissent over the internet and charged with conspiracy to subvert state power ("China online dissident 'charged'") [#16257], [ID 3671]

Document(s): Open document

09.04.2003 - Source: Freedom House

Freedom House: Press freedom in China ("The world`s most repressive regimes 2003") [#12683], [ID 3672]

"The regime sharply restricts press freedom. It bars the media from promoting political reform, covering internal party politics or the inner workings of government, criticizing Beijing’s domestic and international policies, or reporting financial data that the government has not released. At the same time, officials often allow the media to report on certain problems that the CCP itself seeks to alleviate. These include corruption, arbitrary decisions, and other abuses by local officials. Newspapers, however, cannot report on corruption without government and party approval.

Chinese jails held 36 journalists as of December 2002, 14 of whom were serving time for publishing or distributing information online, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Other journalists have been harassed, detained, threatened, or dismissed from their jobs over their reporting. Officials also recently have suspended or shut down some liberal magazines, newspapers, and publishing houses. While China’s pr