The actions initiated by Beijing may have been a direct result of the Central Department of Propaganda’s instruction to strengthen the regulation of self-media on January 29. Similar muzzling of open-source information would be actioned in the coming days across Tibet and Hong Kong to prevent access to reports on security and political developments
@Kunal_Chonkar
New Delhi: In an unprecedented move to restrict the access of political and security developments unfolding in Beijing, the Chinese Government last week has started to shut down or enforce a ban on multiple military-themed online forums and political self-media outlets. The decision came on the heels of a massive internal operation started by the Communist Party of China (CCP)-led to prevent leaking of military and domestic political information.
According to sources on April 8, a snippet published by a Hong Kong-based media read that ‘Beijing has started to shut down a large number of military and political self-media platforms and forums.’ The small report claimed that ‘the Chinese Government has ordered shut down or banned these forums and online media platforms since the end of March.’
According to analysts, Chaoji Da Benying – an online platform on military affairs, suddenly announced on March 22 that it would permanently close down four of its bulletin boards. These boards focused on discussions of the navy, air force, army, aerospace, and new concept weapons and technology the next day. The analysts added that some WeChat public accounts, such as Sina Military and Crazy Warfare Show, were also shut down for ‘violation of the law’ enforced by the Communist Party of China. Authorities did not even spare the WeChat account of Tencent’s military channel Jiang Wu Tang, as well as the well-known political forum Cat’s Eye View. Several analysts and military experts took to social media, last week, criticizing Beijing on its increased muzzling of free speech and open-source information.
A Hong Kong-based analyst told TheNews21 that many self-media and public account operators had received a notice in January and February, suggesting they do not distribute information or content related to domestic political, economic, military, and diplomatic affairs without relevant qualifications. “The actions initiated by Beijing may have been a direct result of the Central Department of Propaganda’s instruction to strengthen the regulation of self-media on January 29. We should expect a similar tightening of information in Tibet and Hong Kong soon,” the analyst said.
PLA To Defend Pratas, Taiping islands
In response to the MoU between the United States and Taiwan on Coast Guard Cooperation (CGC), a Beijing-based media outlet on April 9, said that China will take ‘full measures’ action against any invading force.’
The report states that ‘Pratas Island has been a hot spot for Taiwanese media’s speculation and a cause of Taipei’s authorities’ panic and anxiety for a long time now.’ It adds that administratively, the island ‘belongs to the city of Shanwei, Guangdong Province, and is now under the de-facto control of the Cijin District of the city of Kaohsiung.’
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The report further reads that ‘realizing its geostrategic importance, Taipei knows that their Coast Guard alone cannot defend it if anything happens. Thus, they will call the US for help.’ The report claims that under the newly signed MoU on CGC between Taiwan and the United States, President Tsai Ing-wen will invite the US military to protect Pratas Island and Taiping Island.
The report then quotes an unnamed senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officer saying that ‘if Taiwan invites the US, then it would be tantamount to an invasion of Chinese territory by US forces. The PLA will not stand idly by and will take full measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
