China's lockdown-plagued citizens are using the Internet to express their discontent publicly. Online protests and political jokes (段子) are all the rage. Behind their temporary tolerance lies Beijing's calculation. After all, they also serve as an outlet to let off steam dangerous to the regime.
By Table.Briefings
In her bestseller "Hidden Hand" Mareike Ohlberg also covers Chinese media policy, which – as can be seen in the Ukraine war – continues to spread highly biased narratives. In an interview with China.Table, the sinologist explains how well-educated Chinese nevertheless get news from abroad and under what circumstances Beijing could abandon its strict media censorship. The interview was conducted by Fabian Peltsch.
By Fabian Peltsch
Following announcements of even stricter Covid measures, critical posts are piling up on social media. Posts have become harsher and more defiant. Over the weekend, censors even added a line from China's own national anthem to the blacklist.
By Redaktion Table
For many foreign residents, the lockdown in major Chinese cities is their first experience with the uncompromising nature of an authoritarian regime. Many of them feel helpless in the face of the government's caprice. China's relationship with democratic nations threatens to deteriorate further.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Twitter account "The Great Translation Movement" translates commentaries from Chinese state media and posts from social media channels into English and other languages. The anonymous collective wants to show the world how brutal public opinion has become in strictly censored China. Beijing fears a loss of international reputation and accuses the authors of conducting a witch hunt against the Chinese.
By Fabian Peltsch
