China Censors Human Rights Dialogue with US

China Censors Human Rights Dialogue with US

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) notes with concern that authorities in China censored online reporting about human rights discussions between the United States and China last week.

A two-day closed-door meeting between China diplomats and US officials in Washington began on May 13, signalling the re-opening of dialogue between the two powers on human rights, racism and related internal unrest such as protests by ethnic Tibetans and Uyghur peoples.

The State Council Information Office of China directed all online media outlets on the mainland not to post reports relating to the bilateral talks on the front pages of news sites. The order also directed that all content about the talks be “correctly” reported.

The directive did not elaborate on the meaning of “correctly”. However, local sources say China’s media did not report on points raised by the US delegation which were related to China’s human rights reputation, including Tibet, religious freedom and internet censorship.

“This kind of international dialogue is promising, but it is ironic that talks between the US and China on issues pertaining to press freedom and freedom of expression have been censored in China,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

In recent weeks, the State Council Information Office opened a new bureau for monitoring social networking sites and online forums. The move includes initiating a formal identification process for people wishing to post content online.

The IFJ calls on China’s authorities to honour China’s constitutional guarantees to provide citizens with an open and diverse media, supported by the unhindered work of journalists, whether online or in traditional media.

ENDS

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