Influencers with millions of followers were shut down not for criticizing the Communist Party—but for failing to praise it.
Tan Liwei
Patent Filings Reveal the Extent of China’s Global Cyber Espionage
Hafnium, a government-backed hacking group, is patenting technology to access Apple computers, cell phones, and smart home devices.
“Little Guardians”: China’s Campaign to Mold Children into Anti-Religious Crusaders
In Shanghai, children are taken to court where they can participate in a mock trial and “sentence” members of “illegal religions” to heavy jail penalties.
Mobilizing Children for Ideological Battles: A Dangerous Game in China’s Anti–Religious Campaign
Indoctrinated elementary school students are organized against “xie jiao” and “illegal” religion. The campaign raises serious ethical questions.
China, Forget “Mr.” and “Ms.”—Back to “Comrade”
The “People’s Daily” urges the Chinese to return to Communist ways of address.
China, A Mammoth Report on the Internet Announces Increased Surveillance
278 pages about the web and the “rule of law” emphasize that the authorities regard cyberspace’s “increasing diversity of opinions” as a problem.
Censorship Frenzy: Do Not Search for “2952” in China or You Will Get Into Trouble
Xi Jinping was unanimously re-elected with 2,952 votes. But censors suspect that “2,952” is now a code word used to poke fun at the Chinese pseudo-democracy.
Courtesy of the Two Sessions: Two New Powerful (and Dangerous) Chinese Agencies
Meet the new National Financial Regulatory Administration and National Data Bureau. Both mean more CCP control on the economy and the Internet.
The Digital China 2023 Plan: Is There Something New?
The document reiterates a strategy Xi Jinping is pursuing since before he came to national power. What is new (and alarming) is the propaganda.
Anti-Pornography Rules: In China, Religion Can Be Pornography Too
Government claims those who stay at home for COVID lockdowns watch too much pornography. Yet, for the CCP “pornography and illegals” also include independent religion.
Tan Liwei
Uses a pseudonym for security reasons.