Hello defence lovers! A real-life Thanos with a swipe of his fingers deleted the National Insitute of Health data to conceal the origin of the COVID-19 virus, to disrupt WHO’s investigation. Not only that, he also deleted the demographic data of the population to hide its ageing working population. This real-life Thanos is none other than the supreme leader of the Communist China, Xi Jinping. In this article we will explore the various methods by which the Chinese Communist Party uses censorship to ensure whatever going against the propaganda, does not make it to the Internet or any form of media.
The Great Firewall: The most important Censorship tool?
The Great Firewall (GFW) is perhaps the most effective propaganda tool of the Chinese Communist Party. It is a vast and sophisticated system of internet censorship and surveillance. Officially known as the “Golden Shield Project,” it combines legislative actions, technology, and enforcement mechanisms to regulate and control the internet within communist China. Let us understand its components in detail.
The Great Firewall blocks access to numerous foreign websites and social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. By restricting access to these platforms, the Chinese Communist Party limits the public’s exposure to foreign perspectives and information that might contradict the party’s narrative. Topics considered politically sensitive, such as discussions on human rights, democracy, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and any criticism of the CPC, are heavily censored. The Great Firewall uses keyword filtering, URL blocking, and content inspection to prevent the dissemination of information on these subjects. The Great Firewall enables extensive surveillance of online activities. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other technology companies are required to monitor and report users’ online behaviour. This surveillance acts as a deterrent against dissent, as people know their activities are being watched and that there could be severe consequences for opposing the government.
The State-Owned Everything!
The Chinese Communist Party (CPC) exercises extensive control over media, including television and print media, through various mechanisms essential for maintaining the party’s narrative, suppressing dissent, and ensuring social stability. Most major media outlets in communist China, such as television stations, newspapers, and news agencies, are state-owned or controlled, with examples like China Central Television (CCTV) and Xinhua News Agency being directly under state control. The newspaper agency Global Times (or popularly known as Gobar Times) is considered to be the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party. The government issues broadcasting licenses and has the authority to revoke them, ensuring only compliant media organizations operate. Through agencies like the Central Propaganda Department, the CPC dictates editorial guidelines and content, ensuring coverage aligns with the party’s policies. The government also monitors and controls online news portals and social media platforms, using algorithms and human moderators to censor sensitive content and remove posts critical of the government.
Ideal Communist Journalism
Journalists in Communist China often receive training on the CPC’s propaganda guidelines, emphasizing promoting positive stories about the party and the nation while avoiding sensitive or controversial topics. Journalists are under constant surveillance, with their communications and movements monitored, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. Those attempting to report on sensitive issues often face harassment, intimidation, and threats, with their families sometimes targeted to pressure compliance and sometimes some of them are never seen in public again. The government frequently detains and imprisons journalists who cross red lines, using charges like “spreading rumours,” “subversion of state power,” or “leaking state secrets” to justify arrests. Blacklisting and employment restrictions are common for journalists critical of the government, making it difficult for them to find work in the media industry. Foreign journalists are also subject to control, with the government able to deny or revoke visas, expelling those who report on sensitive topics or engage in investigative journalism.
Several cases illustrate these mechanisms of control and suppression. Investigative journalist Liu Hu was detained and later imprisoned for exposing corruption among high-ranking officials, charged with “fabricating and spreading rumours.” During the Chinese virus (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, fearless journalists like Zhang Zhan were detained and sentenced to prison for reporting on the situation. In recent years, the Chinese government has expelled foreign journalists from prominent international outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, often citing their reporting as the reason.
Through ownership, regulatory control, censorship, surveillance, harassment, detention, and expulsion, the CPC maintains strict control over both domestic and foreign media in China, allowing the party to shape public perception, suppress dissenting voices, and ensure its narrative remains dominant.
Government-controlled social media for better censorship?
China has developed its alternatives for popular international social media sites as part of its strategy to maintain control over information, keep its population isolated from foreign influences, and aid in the propagation of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda. These alternatives include WeChat, an all-in-one messaging, social media, and mobile payment app that replaces WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger; Weibo, a microblogging platform similar to Twitter; Douyin, the domestic version of TikTok; Youku, a video hosting service akin to YouTube; Baidu, the leading search engine in China; and Renren, a social networking service like Facebook. These platforms are designed to be highly integrated into Chinese users’ daily lives while ensuring that the government maintains oversight and control.
As discussed above, the Great Firewall of China plays a crucial role in isolating Chinese internet users from the rest of the world by blocking access to many international websites and social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to promote domestic platforms. This restriction prevents Chinese users from easily accessing foreign content and perspectives, thus allowing the Chinese government to control the domestic information environment. Additionally, Chinese social media platforms are subject to strict government regulations, with content deemed politically sensitive or critical of the government being censored through a combination of automated filtering and human moderators. This censorship ensures that the information circulating within China aligns with government narratives and suppresses dissenting opinions. Searching specific keywords like “Tiananmen Square” or “Pooh Bear” on the Chinese internet can invite unwanted trouble
The CCP also leverages these platforms to propagate its propaganda. State-controlled media outlets, such as CCTV, Gobar (Global) Times and Xinhua, produce and disseminate content that promotes the CCP’s achievements, policies, and ideology. These outlets have a strong presence on Chinese social media, shaping public opinion in favour of the CCP and promoting nationalism and social harmony. Furthermore, the CCP employs paid commentators, known as the “50 Cent Party,” to post pro-government comments, discredit critics, and manipulate online discussions. Social media platforms are required to promote positive content about the government and censor negative content, creating a controlled online environment that supports the government and amplifies CCP propaganda.
By developing domestic alternatives to popular international social media platforms and implementing extensive censorship and monitoring, China effectively isolates its population from foreign influences and reinforces the CCP’s control over information. This system helps maintain the party’s dominance by promoting its propaganda, shaping public opinion, and suppressing dissent. Chinese social media platforms and state media also promote nationalist sentiments, portraying China’s development and governance model as superior while controlling and often criticizing foreign media and cultural influences. This fosters a sense of national pride and loyalty to the CCP, reducing the appeal and impact of foreign ideas and criticisms.
