China remains the world’s greatest internet censor. We very rarely gain insight into how this system works. One document has fallen into the hands of some Chinese bloggers and it makes for fascinating reading, revealing the detailed censorship orders from a government propaganda authority:
3. Web sites should only republish information from the Xinhua News Agency about the leadership reshuffle at the General Administration of Civil Aviation, and should not open forums, blogs and interactive columns to discuss this.
4. On the assassination of Bhutto, only report on the objective occurrences and reactions from various parties, do not associate the event with Pakistan’s internal struggles, or with Pakistani terrorist forces, thus avoiding attracting fire onto ourselves and getting involved in Pakistan’s internal problems.
D. Strengthen online situation monitoring. When problems arise, they shall be resolved immediately and major situations should be reported to our department quickly.