http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704832704576113810779590744.html
Chinese government has tightened its media and internet restrictions to ensure that the updates about the Egyptian protest are not accessible to the public. Only state-run news agency Xinhua provides official updates of the situation in Egypt and most media agencies stick closely to its reports. The word "Egypt" has been blocked off search engines on micro-blogs such as Twitter and Facebook. Communist Party leaders are concerned that the unrest there could encourage similar calls for political reform in China.
In my opinion, such actions make Chinese government seem insecure and vulnurable not only in the eyes of its citizens, but on the international arena, as well. Fearing to face a protest indicates their awareness of not being a well-functioning state. I also think their efforts to block the news about Egypt's unrest are only effective in the short-run because people are already finding a way to create new micro-blogs where they can discuss issues regarding Egypt. If China fears a potential unrest, it should change its tactics to appeal to people, instead of censoring their speech.
By: Olesya Pavelchak
TA: Ryan; section 16199, 11 am
This news really stunned me. The idea that a huge world power can limit the information to its citizens so severely out of fear. It makes me wonder if in time this itself will lead to the people revolting, the very thing they are trying to avoid. With all the faults that we have as a country I am so grateful that we protect the civil right of free speech and the flow of information.
ReplyDeleteBy: Devyn Maguire
Friday discussion 11:00
On that note, Congress just reintroduced an Internet kill switch bill. I have been doing some work on cyber security. Pundits make it seem like Terminator 2 will happen soon and we need to protect ourselves. One way to do that is to have cut points for the internet so we cannot be attacked.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=150&sid=2265307
ReplyDeleteI agree with Devyn, that we should be grateful for the freedom of speech and civil rights we have as humans in the U.S. Much chaos has been going on during the protests in Egypt and many countries like Israel are in fear of what is coming next. As well, China and other Islamic leaders are fearing the power that its people may have as a whole. Egyptian people have succeeded and Mubarak finally stepped down. This shows that there is potential power in people to stand up for their believes' and get their way. It is ridiculous that China blocked access to this information. I agree with Olesya that China is aware that its political system is somewhat corrupt in the eyes of its citizens. If Chinese people would protest, it would be massive and in my eyes uncontrollable. Something like a war within China would start since its population is huge. However, denying access to this information is not a win win situation.
ReplyDeleteBy: Elina Segal
TA:Ryan; section 16199, 11 am
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI found this article really interesting because it shows many of countries around the world are really scared of the people becoming aware of successful protest revolutions. That the people can actually have enough power to over turn their governments. Also to prohibit information like that, in my opinion, only entices for more revolutions similar to the one in Egypt.
ReplyDeleteJasmine Brown
TA:Ryan